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Single Idea 19823

[from 'The Social Contract (tr Cress)' by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 2. Population / b. State population ]

Full Idea

In order to be good, the government must be relatively stronger in proportion as the populace is more numerous.

Gist of Idea

If the population is larger, the government needs to be more powerful

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], III.01)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.175


A Reaction

This could either imply a larger government, or more powerful laws for a fairly small government. Rousseau implies an almost mathematical law (of ratios) which determines the size of the government.

Related Idea

Idea 19822 If the state enlarges, the creators of the general will become less individually powerful [Rousseau]