Rousseau on Sovereignty, Representation, and Democracy: Key Concepts and Modern Relevance

What is the difference between the General Will and the Will of All according to Rousseau?

The General Will represents the collective interest of the people, while the Will of All is merely the sum of individual interests.

What is Rousseau's view on the legitimacy of government?

Rousseau argues that every legitimate government is republican and self-ruling, but he acknowledges various forms of legitimate government.

What are the three forms of government Rousseau identifies?

Democracy, Aristocracy, and Monarchy.

According to Rousseau, what is the role of government?

Government is an intermediate body set up to execute laws and maintain liberty, acting as mere officials of the Sovereign.

Why does Rousseau believe law-making should be separate from law execution?

He argues that it prevents the corruption of the legislator and the influence of private interests in public affairs.

What does Rousseau claim about the existence of true democracy?

He asserts that true democracy has never existed and cannot exist, as it is against the natural order for the many to govern the few.

How does the size of the state affect individual liberty according to Rousseau?

As the state grows larger, individual liberty diminishes because each citizen's influence is reduced.

What political system does Rousseau advocate for?

Direct or popular sovereignty, with regular assemblies and referenda.

What does Rousseau say about the necessity of periodical assemblies?

He believes there must be fixed periodical assemblies that cannot be abrogated, allowing the people to be called together by law.

What is Rousseau's stance on political representation?

He argues that sovereignty cannot be represented; it lies in the General Will, and any law not ratified by the people is null and void.

What does Rousseau mean by saying modern people are politically enslaved?

He suggests that when people allow themselves to be represented, they are no longer self-ruling and thus lose their freedom.

What is the significance of the act of association in Rousseau's political theory?

It is the only contract in the State, excluding any contract between citizens and government officials.

What does Rousseau say about the revocability of government?

He states that the government is subordinate to the Sovereign and can be revoked by the people.

What are some countries where citizens can recall elected officials?

Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Latvia, the UK, and various states in the US.

What is the British Columbia Recall & Initiative Act?

It allows citizens to initiate recall petitions to dismiss elected officials.

How does Rousseau view the relationship between good laws and public engagement?

He believes that good laws lead to better public engagement, while bad laws lead to apathy among citizens.

What is the role of populism in Rousseau's theory?

Populism connects to Rousseau's ideas of direct democracy, emphasizing the need for leaders to speak directly for the people.

What does Rousseau mean by saying that deputies are not representatives?

He claims that deputies are merely stewards of the people's will and cannot execute definitive acts without the people's ratification.

What did Rousseau mean by stating that the people of England are mistaken about their freedom?

He argues that they are only free during elections and not in their daily governance due to political representation.

What is the relationship between government and law according to Rousseau?

He asserts that government is not a contract but a law, and those in power are officers of the people, not their masters.

What is the significance of the recall petition example in British Columbia?

It illustrates the practical application of Rousseau's ideas on direct democracy and the people's ability to hold their government accountable.

What is populism in the context of liberal democracies?

Populism has given rise to hybrid forms of democracy, mixing direct and representative elements, often using rhetoric of 'the people' to consolidate power.

Who are some notable populist leaders mentioned in the notes?

Viktor Orbán (Hungary), Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Turkey), Hugo Chávez (Venezuela), Nicolás Maduro (Venezuela), Evo Morales (Bolivia), Alberto Fujimori (Peru), Rodrigo Duterte (Philippines), Boris Johnson (UK), Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel), Silvio Berlusconi (Italy).

What does Rousseau mean by the 'general will'?

The general will is a collective moral will that cannot be destroyed, even when obscured by factions or misled by opinion.

According to Rousseau, what is the relationship between voting and the general will?

Voting is about determining if a proposal aligns with the general will, rather than expressing personal preferences.

How does Rousseau define freedom in relation to the general will?

Freedom is not lost when the majority vote overrules an individual; true freedom lies in obeying a law one prescribes to oneself through collective deliberation.

What are Rousseau's two maxims of deliberation?

1. The more important the matter, the closer to unanimity it should be. 2. The more urgent the decision, the more efficient the majority rule should be.

What is the principle of 'sortition' in democracy?

Sortition reflects symbolic equality, where roles rotate among citizens, contrasting with elections that tend to favor elites.

What is Rousseau's view on censorship?

Censorship preserves morality through shared opinion and is necessary when society loses its moral compass.

How does Rousseau view Christianity in relation to citizenship?

Rousseau sees devout Christianity as incompatible with citizenship because it divides civic life and prioritizes obedience to God over the republic.

What is Rousseau's concept of civil religion?

Civil religion is a minimal but crucial belief system that includes divine justice, laws, and patriotism, necessary for civic virtue.

What does Rousseau argue about direct democracy?

Rousseau calls for active, continuous participation by citizens, asserting that people must legislate themselves rather than merely elect representatives.

What tension does Rousseau identify in modern democracies?

The tension between inclusion and cohesion, as modern democracies are diverse but his model presumes moral and cultural unity.

What consequences does Rousseau suggest for persistent dissent?

Those who defy the general will may face exile or even death, as persistent dissent is seen as a threat to the public good.

How does Rousseau differentiate between populism and the general will?

Populists claim to speak for 'the people' but often equate dissent with betrayal, while Rousseau's general will is collective, not merely majoritarian.

What implications does Rousseau's reflection on civic religion have for modern democracies?

It raises questions about whether modern democracies can function without a shared faith and whether secular norms can replace shared religious beliefs.

What is Rousseau's legacy regarding democracy?

Rousseau emphasizes the importance of direct civic engagement, equality, and popular sovereignty, while warning about the dangers of authoritarianism.

What does Rousseau say about the nature of sovereignty?

Sovereignty cannot be represented or alienated; allowing representation means the people are no longer free.

What is the role of the Tribunate in Rousseau's political theory?

The Tribunate checks government power, defends laws, and prevents abuse without having legislative power.

What does Rousseau mean by 'the dogmas of civil religion'?

They should be simple, few in number, and stated with precision, serving as social sentiments necessary for good citizenship.

What is the significance of Rousseau's warning about populism?

Populism risks replacing deliberation with slogans and can lead to mob rule in the name of the general will.

What does Rousseau suggest about the moral health of the republic?

It is rooted in public opinion shaped by civic laws, and censorship is necessary to uphold morality.

How does Rousseau's model address the challenges of pluralism?

His model presumes unity, which raises questions about how a single general will can reflect the diversity of modern democracies.

What are the key standards of democratic legitimacy that Canada may not fully meet?

Full democratic legitimacy, democratic inclusion, and political equality.

What protest highlighted issues with Canada's electoral system?

The Longest Ballot protest in Alberta.

What was a major demand of the Freedom Convoy regarding federal mandates?

Repeal all COVID-related mandates, restrictions, and passports.

What was the stance of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) on the Emergencies Act?

They criticized it as excessive and argued it imposed restrictions on citizens' free speech.

What did Justice Mosley state about the measures adopted under the Emergencies Act?

They infringed Charter rights and were not justified under section 1.

According to Elizabeth Anderson, what is a key value of democracy?

Democratic equality.

What is the instrumental view of democracy?

Democracy is seen as a means of aggregating individual preferences into a collective decision.

How does Anderson argue that democracy has intrinsic value?

Participation in democracy is valued beyond just the outcomes it produces.

What analogy does Anderson use to illustrate the intrinsic value of democracy?

Shopping, where the act of choosing is valued beyond just acquiring goods.

What are the three levels at which democracy can be understood according to Anderson?

Membership organization, mode of government, and culture.

What does the membership aspect of democracy entail?

Universal, equal citizenship with rights to belong and participate.

What is the significance of deliberation in Anderson's view of democracy?

It emphasizes discussion among equals rather than just voting.

What does Anderson identify as the core value of democracy?

Equality, ensuring no second-class citizens and justice demands inclusion.

What are the dangers of inequality in a democracy according to Anderson?

Subordination breeds abuse and privilege corrupts character.

How does deliberative democracy protect minorities?

By ensuring collective learning and transforming preferences through discussion.

What are considered the goods of democracy?

Mutual respect, equality, protection from domination, and shared autonomy.

What does Anderson argue about the importance of processes in democracy?

Processes matter alongside outcomes, as they express equality and protect rights.

Why is the question of democracy's value significant?

It impacts how we understand participation, rights, and the intrinsic value of citizens.

What does Anderson suggest about the relationship between citizens and states in democracy?

People, not states of the world, are what has intrinsic value in politics.

What is the role of sympathy in democratic practices according to Anderson?

It fosters cooperation and learning among citizens, even amidst rivalry.

What is the political goal of the Freedom Convoy as stated in their MOU?

Immediate end to existing public health policies and restoration of freedoms.

What constitutional status did the Freedom Convoy's demand for a joint committee hold?

Unconstitutional, as it sought to overrule elected government.

What does Anderson mean by 'democracy as a way of life'?

It emphasizes the importance of democratic practices in everyday interactions and societal structures.

What is the significance of equal standing and respect in democracy?

It ensures that all citizens have equal authority to make claims in politics.

What is the membership principle in democracy?

Universal, equal citizenship.

What does democracy emphasize in terms of government?

Deliberation, or discussion among equals.

How does democracy define citizenship?

Citizenship involves rights to belong and participate, not subjection.

What is the core democratic slogan regarding equality?

Everyone counts for one and no one for more than one.

What is the role of rights in a democratic government?

Rights are constitutive and enable participation without fear of punishment.

What characterizes a healthy democratic culture?

Civil society has many associations formed by the populace, not the state.

What commitments are essential in a democratic society?

Habits of cooperation, respect, dialogue over violence, and shared problem-solving.

What does equality in democracy entail?

Equal authority to claim rights and no second-class citizens.

What are the dangers of inequality in a democracy?

Subordination breeds abuse and privilege corrupts character.

What is deliberative democracy?

A form of democracy where discussion transforms preferences and protects minorities.

What are the goods of democracy?

Mutual respect, equality, protection from domination, and shared autonomy.

What is the intrinsic value of democracy?

People are intrinsically valuable, and democratic practices express equality.

Why is it important to view democracy as intrinsically valuable?

It prevents the dismissal of non-instrumental aspects like free speech.

What does Anderson argue about democracy's core value?

The ideal of social equality is the core value of democracy.

What is required for a democratic culture?

Democracy cannot be fully achieved without a democratic culture.

What is the significance of freedom of speech in democracy?

It allows citizens to criticize political leaders and engage in collective decision-making.

What historical sources contributed to the development of democracy?

Classical Greece, Rome, Italian city-states, and modern representative government.

How did the Roman republicans view democracy differently than the Greeks?

They focused on balancing interests rather than a harmonious polis.

What is liberal representative democracy?

A form of democracy that does not require the social cohesion of Greek democracy.

What does political legitimacy in a democracy rely on?

The exercise of the will of the people and consent to laws.

What is a common criticism of representative democracy?

It is seen as a distant second-best to direct democracy.

What does Robert Dahl suggest about classical democracy?

The vision of 'rule by the people' gives way to less stringent criteria under representative democracy.

What is the role of sympathy among citizens in democracy?

It fosters loyalty and learning among rivals in a democratic context.

What is the importance of collective action in democracy?

Citizens must discuss and determine issues of common interest for collective action.

What does Anderson mean by 'democracy as a shared good'?

Democracy is realized collectively, benefiting all members of society.

What does Dahl emphasize as essential for effective political participation?

Opportunities for effective political participation, voting equality at decisive stages, and access to information that shapes people's interests.

How does Jeremy Waldron define democracy?

As an ideal of persons working together in political procedures that treat them as equals, respecting individuals and taking their interests seriously.

What is the relationship between democracy and the marketplace according to J. Brennan?

Democracy functions like a marketplace where voters are consumers, politicians are competitors, and policies are products.

What are some core characteristics of democratic systems?

Peaceful change in government, universal suffrage, and basic civil/political freedoms such as freedom of speech and due process.

What is the current trend in global democracy according to the Democracy Index?

As of 2020, 70% of countries were less democratic than previously, indicating a decline in the total number of democracies over the past 20 years.

What does J. Wolff highlight as tensions in democratic views?

The conflict between majority rule and equal consideration for individuals, and the debate between direct and representative democracy.

What are the instrumental values of democracy as noted by philosophers?

Democracy benefits one's intellect and character by requiring individuals to be informed and promotes better decision-making through diverse viewpoints.

What intrinsic value does democracy express?

Democracy respects people's rationality and autonomy, expressing equality and ensuring that policies are not imposed without public input.