American Democracy

Paper Summary:

The two most prominent American political theorists, John Dewey and Benjamin Barber, argue that technology and economics have eliminated the role of individual and cooperative efforts to being about commonly desired consequences. This paper examines these two scholars views on American democracy and asks if this political practice is not self-destructive.

From the Paper:

"American political democracy had its roots and evolved from small closely-knit communities. The Town meetings were the means of securing communal ends. The much debated electoral college in the last Presidential election and the local school system are reminders that the "public" once operated primarily in highly localized and manageable situations. People had real power, as it is the essence of democracy, they could meet to discuses and resolve issues effecting the entire community. But the technological advancement, the industry and economics forces have broadened human associations beyond local community boundary lines. The new technologies of communications and travel has brought people closer in a way, which has gone beyond the normal community interactions and are more complicated."

More papers on American Democracy:

• Book Review # 118114 : "The Rise of the American Democracy"
• Essay # 130891 : "Plato's 'Republic' and American Democracy"
• Comparison Essay # 2134 : "Safeguarding American Democracy"
• Analytical Essay # 59119 : "American Democracy"

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