POL100: Introduction to Politics

Questions on Rousseau

What is the difference between "the general will" and "the will of the majority"?

Compare Rousseau's approach to "partial societies" with Madison's approach to "factions." How are they different? How are they the same?

What does Rousseau mean by "the legislator" (69)? Whom does he mention as an example of a legislator? Why do you think he focuses on this figure?

What does Rousseau think about elections? (See p. 71)

What size political unit is ideal, according to Rousseau? Given what you've read, how do you think he would assess the extent of "freedom" in the contemporary U.S.?