Rousseau's Social Contract & Democratic Theory: Key Concepts and Critiques

What are the two essential components for any action?

Will (the decision to act) and Power (the ability to carry it out).

What does legislative power represent in society?

The people's will, specifically the power to make laws.

What is the role of executive power in government?

To carry out the laws made by the legislative power.

How should legislative and executive powers interact for effective governance?

They must work together; legislative power belongs to the people, while executive power is managed by a smaller group (the government).

What is the government's primary function according to Rousseau?

To execute laws and protect the freedom of the people.

What happens when rulers act above the Sovereign's will?

The social contract breaks down, leading to the dissolution of the state.

What is the danger of having lawmakers also enforce laws?

It creates a lack of separation of powers, risking corruption and tyranny.

What conditions are necessary for democracy to function effectively?

A small state, simple lifestyles, near total equality, and minimal luxury.

Why is virtue considered essential in a republic?

Citizens must prioritize the common good over personal greed or vanity to prevent democracy from collapsing.

What is a key indicator of a good government?

The growth and thriving of the population without external assistance.

What is the natural tendency of governments over time?

To shift from democracy to aristocracy to monarchy, rarely reversing direction.

What are the potential breakdowns of government systems?

Democracy can degenerate into mob rule, aristocracy into oligarchy, and monarchy into tyranny.

What is the relationship between personal and collective wants in governance?

Individual wants often clash with the general will, leading to governmental push against collective power.

What can happen if a ruler ignores laws and consolidates power?

The state may shrink into a system where the government becomes the master, breaking the social contract.

What is the result of government members seeking individual power?

It leads to chaos, akin to multiple mini-princes fighting for control.

What is the significance of balance in government?

There must be a balance between the Sovereign's authority, the government's execution, and the people's obedience.

What does Rousseau suggest is the ultimate purpose of government?

To protect and support its people, ensuring their growth and well-being.

What happens when the government becomes corrupt?

Democracy can turn into mob rule, aristocracy into elite rule, and monarchy into tyranny.

What is the consequence of a government acting above the Sovereign?

The social contract collapses, leading to the dissolution of the state.

Why is true democracy considered unattainable?

It is unrealistic for all people to gather and decide on every issue, and smaller committees will gain power over time.

What is the potential outcome if the Sovereign becomes corrupted?

The system becomes irreparably broken, leading to a failure of governance.

How does the size of a state affect citizen influence?

In small states, people have more influence; in larger states, individual votes carry less weight.

What is the relationship between wealth, luxury, and democracy?

Wealth and luxury can lead to corruption, undermining the stability of democracy.

What is the role of courage and vigilance in sustaining democracy?

Citizens must be willing to prioritize risky freedom over comfortable slavery to maintain a democratic system.

What is the definition of a tyrant?

A tyrant is someone who takes the throne without legitimate right but still rules by the laws.

How does a despot differ from a tyrant?

A despot not only takes power without right but also places themselves above the laws.

What is the relationship between tyrants and despots?

Every despot is a tyrant, but not every tyrant is a despot.

What is a key reason no government lasts forever?

Even the strongest states, like Sparta and Rome, eventually collapse.

How can the lifespan of a government be extended?

By designing it wisely, as governments are human creations.

What analogy is used to describe governments?

Governments are compared to human bodies, which carry the seeds of their own destruction from the start.

What is the 'life-force' of the state?

Sovereign authority.

What does legislative power represent in the state?

The heart of the state; if it stops, the state dies.

What role does executive power play in the state?

It is the brain of the state; if it breaks, the state can still function but not fully.

Why are old laws significant in a state?

They grow stronger over time through constant reaffirmation by the legislative power.

What indicates that a state is already dead?

If old laws lose their power, it means the legislative power is gone.

Who constitutes the Sovereign in a state?

The people.

What is necessary for the Sovereign to act?

The people must gather together in an assembly to make laws.

What historical example does Rousseau use to argue for the possibility of assemblies?

Ancient Rome, where citizens gathered in assemblies despite large populations.

What is Rousseau's view on modern people's belief in liberty?

He believes modern people have become weak, corrupt, and lazy, dismissing liberty instead of fighting for it.

What is required for the people to maintain their sovereignty?

They must meet regularly in mandatory assemblies.

What makes an assembly legitimate?

It must be summoned properly by law; otherwise, its decisions do not count.

How should assemblies be scheduled?

They should happen automatically at set times, independent of a ruler's permission.

What is Rousseau's solution for involving multiple towns in a state?

Rotate assemblies between towns to prevent one from dominating.

What is Rousseau's preference regarding the size of states?

He prefers small states for easier assembly and sovereignty maintenance.

What happens when the people assemble as Sovereign?

The government's power is paused, and every citizen is equally important.

What mistake did the Roman assemblies make?

They forgot that during assemblies, representatives were less important than the presence of the people.

Why do rulers dislike assemblies?

Assemblies keep government power in check and protect the people from abuse.

What leads to the decline of civic duty?

A lack of patriotism and an obsession with private interests.

What is the consequence of citizens preferring money over service?

The state is on its way to collapse, as paying others to serve can lead to enslavement.

What is the cycle of good and bad laws in a state?

Good laws create more good laws, while bad laws lead to a cycle of worse laws.

What does Rousseau believe about representation in government?

He views it as a corrupt and degrading system that arises from feudalism.

What is the source of representation according to Rousseau?

Representation comes from feudalism, which Rousseau considered corrupt and degrading.

What is Rousseau's view on sovereignty and representation?

Sovereignty, or the general will, cannot be represented; deputies are merely managers, not the true voice of the people.

What does Rousseau believe about laws not ratified by citizens?

Any law not directly ratified by citizens is considered void.

How does Rousseau critique the concept of freedom in England?

He argues that people in England are only free while voting, but once parliament is chosen, they return to being 'in chains.'

What distinguishes ancient republics from modern states according to Rousseau?

In ancient republics like Rome and Greece, citizens gathered in assemblies to make decisions, unlike modern states that rely on representatives.

What does Rousseau argue about modern societies and freedom?

He claims modern societies trade freedom for comfort, money, or convenience, making them slaves to their own fears.

What is Rousseau's final assertion about representation?

If a people allows itself to be represented, it stops being free; true sovereignty requires direct action by citizens.

What is the difference between legislative and executive power?

Legislative power makes laws, while executive power carries them out; they must remain separate to avoid chaos or tyranny.

What is Rousseau's stance on the idea of a contract between rulers and the people?

He argues that the Sovereign cannot hand over supreme power; such a contract would undermine the social contract and lead to slavery.

What is the only legitimate contract in a state according to Rousseau?

The only legitimate contract is the social contract, which creates a collective sovereign among the people.

How does Rousseau describe the nature of government?

Government is not a contract but a law established by the people, with rulers as officers who serve at the people's discretion.

What safeguards does Rousseau suggest to prevent rulers from usurping power?

Regular assemblies that vote on the government and its leaders serve as safeguards against rulers taking over.

What does Rousseau say about the revocability of the social contract?

No law, including the social contract, is unchangeable; citizens can agree to dissolve it if they choose.

What is Rousseau's view on small societies?

Small, honest societies are the happiest because they operate on common sense and equality, avoiding corruption and manipulation.

How does Rousseau believe decisions should be made in a society?

Decisions should be made collectively without the need for lawyers or politicians, relying on common sense and honesty.

What is the role of the Sovereign in Rousseau's political philosophy?

The Sovereign, which is the collective will of the people, gives the government the authority to enforce laws.

What does Rousseau imply about the relationship between freedom and government?

True freedom occurs when citizens directly rule themselves rather than outsourcing their responsibilities to representatives.

What is the significance of periodic assemblies in Rousseau's theory?

Periodic assemblies ensure accountability and prevent rulers from quietly usurping power.

What does Rousseau mean by 'fake freedom'?

Fake freedom refers to the illusion of freedom experienced by citizens who are not actively participating in governance.

How does Rousseau view the concept of hereditary governments?

Hereditary governments are not permanent; they are temporary arrangements that can be changed by the people.

What does Rousseau suggest about the dangers of rulers clinging to power?

Rulers may use tactics like blocking assemblies and silencing opposition to maintain their power, undermining the people's sovereignty.

What is Rousseau's perspective on the happiness of small groups?

Small groups can make quick, fair decisions without the complications of larger political structures, leading to greater happiness.

What does Rousseau believe about the importance of direct participation in governance?

Direct participation is essential for true freedom; citizens must engage actively in their governance rather than rely on representatives.

What happens when people prioritize personal gain over the common good?

Unity cracks, cliques form, and the general will is drowned out by selfish motives.

What is the general will?

The true will of the people as a whole, representing what is best for everyone.

How do laws change when people act selfishly?

Laws begin to serve specific people or groups rather than the common good.

What is the relationship between democracy and voting for the general will?

Citizens must vote on behalf of the general will, not for personal gain or specific groups.

How can you tell if a country is healthy?

By observing how its people argue; easy agreement indicates health, while endless debate suggests division.

What does Rousseau say about societies divided into classes?

Different orders, like nobles vs commoners, create two countries in one, where each group may be united internally.

What happens to agreement in a dictatorship?

Agreement becomes fake as people conform out of fear rather than genuine consensus.

What is the social contract according to Rousseau?

An agreement to live under shared laws that must be unanimous, as joining a community is voluntary.

What is the significance of majority rule in a community?

Once a community exists, majority vote binds everyone, even those who disagree, as they agreed to follow the general will.

How does Rousseau view the act of governing?

Governing is seen as a chore rather than a privilege, and random selection (lot) is fair in a true democracy.

What are the two ways to elect leaders according to Rousseau?

1. Choice (voting) and 2. Lot (random draw).

Why does Rousseau believe that picking leaders by lot fits democracy better than aristocracy?

In aristocracy, power remains with the elite, while in democracy, random selection eliminates bias and campaigning.

What example does Rousseau use to illustrate a mixed electoral system?

Venice, which used both lot and vote to elect its leader (Doge).

What does Rousseau mean by 'real freedom'?

Real freedom is living under laws you helped create, even if the vote didn't go your way.

How should the level of agreement in voting be determined?

For serious issues, near-unanimity is required; for minor issues, a simple majority suffices.

What does Rousseau suggest about the health of a country based on political debates?

If political meetings are harmonious, the country is healthy; if chaotic, personal interests have taken over.

What does Rousseau say about people's awareness of right and wrong in a corrupt system?

People know deep down what's right but often ignore it for personal benefit.

What is the danger in voting for personal benefit?

It undermines the common good and can lead to the decay of the State.

How does Rousseau describe the agreement to follow community rules?

Once you join a community, you agree to follow its rules, and if you refuse, you are not part of it.

What happens when a community votes on a decision?

The majority decision binds everyone, reflecting the general will, even for those who disagree.

What is the implication of losing a vote in a democratic system?

Losing a vote does not equate to losing freedom; it indicates a different understanding of what is best for everyone.

What is the role of citizens in a democracy according to Rousseau?

Citizens must ensure their votes reflect the general will rather than personal interests.

What does Rousseau imply about the nature of leadership in a democracy?

Leadership should not be viewed as a privilege but as a shared responsibility among all citizens.

How does Rousseau characterize the nobility in Venice?

He argues that most nobles were poor and lacked real power, merely holding titles like 'Excellency' without influence.

What is Rousseau's view on the use of lot in a perfect democracy?

He believes that if everyone were truly equal in morals, education, and resources, using lot would be acceptable; however, since people are not equal, choice (voting) is necessary for skilled positions.

When should voting be used according to Rousseau?

Voting should be used for jobs that require special talents, such as military roles or skilled leadership.