Full Idea
If there are partial association in the state ...there are no longer as many voters as there are men, but merely as many as there are associations. The differences become less numerous and yield a result that is less general.
Gist of Idea
If the state contains associations there are fewer opinions, undermining the general will
Source
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], II.03)
Book Reference
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.156
A Reaction
This appears to entirely reject political parties, and similar groups, which he had seen forming in England. It goes with his interesting faith that the more separate views there are, the more the right choice will emerge.