Full Idea
The laws regulating the relationship of the sovereign to the state are political laws, which are also fundamental. There is one way of organising a state, and people should stand by it. ...But a people is always in a position to change its laws.
Gist of Idea
Political laws are fundamental, as they firmly organise the state - but they could still be changed
Source
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], II.12)
A Reaction
Constitutions take on a sacred and inviolable quality, but Rousseau clearly thinks 'the Sabbath is made for man'. I think the USA is crazy not to change its constitution on the subject of bearing arms.
Book Reference
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.172
Related Idea
Idea 19819 The state ensures liberty, so civil law separates citizens, and binds them to the state [Rousseau]