The Social Contract · Chapter
IV: Democracy explained
Rousseau argues that true democracy, where the people both make and execute laws, is impractical and has never truly existed.
What happens
Rousseau argues that true democracy, where the people both make and execute laws, is impractical and has never truly existed. He outlines the necessary conditions for a democratic government—small state, simplicity of manners, equality, and absence of luxury—and concludes that such a perfect government is suited only for gods, not men.
Themes in this chapter
Sovereignty and Government
Rousseau distinguishes between the sovereign (legislative power) and the government (executive power), arguing that uniting them in democracy leads to confusion and corruption.
Decline and Corruption of the State
The chapter warns that democracy is prone to civil wars and degeneration due to private interests and the corruption of the legislator.
Characters to notice
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Author and narrator; presents the critique of democracy as a form of government.
- Montesquieu
Referenced as 'a famous writer' who made virtue the principle of republics, though Rousseau notes his imprecision.
Key passages
“If we take the term in the strict sense, there never has been a real democracy, and there never will be.”
In the strictest sense, no true democracy has ever existed, nor will one ever exist.
Rousseau asserts the impossibility of a pure democratic government.
“Were there a people of gods, their government would be democratic. So perfect a government is not for men.”
If a population consisted of gods, their government would be democratic; such perfection is beyond human capability.
Rousseau concludes that democracy is an ideal unattainable for humans.