Jean-Jacque Rousseau’s Social Contract - 1762

Rousseau believes that an individual:

• Should obey a king

• Must educate themselves on public affairs

• Is always in a natural state of war & conflict

• Should not be allowed to vote for their policies

What is something that Civil freedom does not offer?

• Protection of private property and goods

• Security

• Trade

• Complete independence

Civil freedom is the original freedoms individuals have in the state of nature

• True

• False

What does Rousseau argue is the primary role of government?

• To exercise absolute power over the people

• To act as an intermediary between the sovereign and the execution of laws

• To ensure economic prosperity

• To maintain the power of the ruling class

According to Rousseau, what makes true democracy impractical for most societies?

• The high cost of maintaining democratic institutions

• The need for constant public assembly and deliberation

• The influence of foreign powers

• The complexity of modern economies

Rousseau's natural aristocracy is based on wisdom and experience.

• True

• False

What is sovereignty?

• The authority of a state to govern itself

• The authority of a state to govern other states

• Exercise of the general will

• Legislative power over a body politic

Octavian was a Roman legislator that Rousseau praised

• True

• False

What was not a source of inspiration for Rousseau?

• Greco-Roman legislation

• The French Revolution

• Contemporary Geneva

• The Torah