Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Europe, eighteenth century
He connected political legitimacy with the general will and citizens as the source of law.
Historical context
The Social Contract appeared in 1762. Rousseau examines the conditions under which a political order can be legitimate for those subject to it.
Overview
A law can express the general will if it concerns the common interest. Judging whether a vote meets that condition requires examining the relation between particular interests and citizenship.
Main claims
Legitimacy requires the people to act as the source of law.
Debates and nuances
The general will concerns the common interest, which may differ from the sum of private preferences.
This entry provides educational context.