Jean Jacques Rousseau · Politics

The General Will

Rousseau’s answer to how people can unite under government yet remain free - by obeying only a collective will that is truly their own.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that Rousseau makes legitimate authority rest on the general will. Explain how this is supposed to keep citizens free even while they obey, in your own words.

Leads to Maximilien Robespierre.

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