Most political thinkers have placed their major concern on the state, its organisation, its evolution and the purpose to which it serves. Most of the questions going through the minds of many people revolve around the origin of the state. People wonder whether all through the human existence, people have always been subjected to some kind of political rule. Political theorists have come up with differing opinions over this subject matter. Significantly, this write-up makes an attempt to analyse and evaluate the social contract theory as was presented and viewed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
In this context, Rousseau is referring to the freedom constraints placed on many citizens of urban states which harbour them from exercising their social right. The principle I found in this respect is that of social cohesion. The concept of establishing social cohesion is one of the founding pillars of the fight against the social contract theory. Laws are made by people from different backgrounds with different cultures for the better of all and this consequently leads to a free and independent people. This principle is quite important as it may help create a coexistence between each citizen's freedom and their cooperation for the good of all.
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Again, Rousseau highlights the importance of numbers in solving the problem of social contract. He says that the majority will always be considered at all times. Where many people are confined and driven by one purpose, the possible reasoning is that whatever they are championing for is right and for the better good. The principle I found in this is democracy. Democracy provides a state of leadership where the right to select the government is bestowed upon the citizens. The leaders chosen by the majority end up taking office, additionally, democracy champions for the equal treatment of individuals in a nation. Even the minority groups are valued in the society and given equal opportunities as the majority groups. In light of the implications of this principle, it may help do away with dictatorship and imposed rule.
Rousseau on "The Social Contract" starts by saying, "Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains." This statement is symbolic in that the use of "chains" is not literal in meaning. Further, Rousseau in Book 1, Chapter V11 highlights in the context of "forced to be free." He says that forcing people to obey laws that they did not comfortably put in place or even approve is like forcing them to be free. This is because the subjects of the said law are expected to abide by such rules even when their voice is not heard. The principle found in this context is that of freedom. People only acquire freedom they create for themselves. Any freedom offered without the consent of the affected party is a form of oppression. People should be consulted before laws are passed, and their views should be put into respectful consideration. Freedom is a transformative principle from Rousseau as it may help governments and individuals to realize the importance of liberty to achieving their goals. A free people are a happy and content people.
In general, Rousseau is seemingly arguing that the government's rule should always be directed by consent of those being governed. He says that whatever the government does should be addressed by the people's general will. The principle I found in this is the principle of involvement. People should always be involved in the day to day activities of the government. Their participation is what creates this sense of belonging and purpose in people. People love being a part of something greater than themselves. They like being directly involved in matters that affect them and that way they feel their position in the society is upheld thus creating a sense of freedom.
Rousseau's political teachings continue to be the guidelines of many countries today. Almost all nations are exercising democracy. People are directly involved in governing matters. They vote in on their leaders and even engage in referendums to vote in or out certain laws. These guidelines based on Rousseau's principles have transformed the world's political scene.
Reference
Rousseau, J. J. (1895). The Social Contract . London: Swan Sonnenschein & Co.
