The growth of the city of Providence, Rhode Island, represents another case
where dissent was encouraged and society flourished as a result. During the 1600s,
Providence was settled by Roger Williams, a dissenter who had fled religious
persecution in Massachusetts. After Williams established the colony, Providence
became a refuge for many individuals who did not believe in the prevailing
religious ideas of the day. Providence eventually grew to become the capital of the
state of Rhode Island and flourished in both its culture and economy. Its roots as
a haven for dissenters no doubt set the foundation for social and political diversity
that enabled the community to thrive.
Although much criticized by many on both sides of the political spectrum,
the two-party political system in the United States is another example of how the
encouragement of dissent can promote societal progress. Many people feel that the
predominance of the two-party system does not allow Americans a great deal of
latitude to affect policy when they vote, because the parties are highly polarized
and the political options supported by each are fairly predictable. Yet, the system
does encourage an ongoing debate between conservative and liberal ideas that
prompts policy to evolve, albeit sometimes quite slowly. The dissent promoted by
the two-party system may only support incremental change, but it is change that
occurs through the exchange of ideas in an open political forum. The capacity for
such change is one of the hallmarks of our society.
In sum, the value of dissent for promoting societal growth cannot be
understated. When dissent is prohibited, as has been the case with fascist
dictatorships such as Hitler’s, calamity often results. When dissent is allowed
and even encouraged as part of a political system, the proliferation of conflicting
ideas often gives rise to much-needed change, enabling societies to progress and,
ultimately, to flourish.CHAPTER 16 ■ PRACTICE TEST 2 56105-GRE-Test-2018_463-582.indd 561 12/05/17 12:14 pm