Full Idea
The government becomes slack as the magistrates are multiplied, and the more numerous the people the greater should be the increase of repressive force - ...so the number of leaders should decrease in proportion to the increase of the number of people.
Gist of Idea
Large populations needs stronger control, which means power should be concentrated
Source
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], III.02)
Book Reference
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.178
A Reaction
This bit sounds Stalinist! A vast population seems to require a dictator. When his state is Geneva-sized Rousseau seems comfortable, but his plans for bigger states are a bit disturbing.
Related Idea
Idea 19826 Democracy for small states, aristocracy for intermediate, monarchy for large [Rousseau]