Single Idea 19832

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / b. Consultation]

Full Idea

Elections leave dangerous intervals and are stormy.

Gist of Idea

Democratic elections are dangerous intervals in government

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], III.06)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.184


A Reaction

American presidential elections partially paralyse government for about nine months. In a settled democracy the process of election seems OK. The immediate aftermath can be worse. Losers may refuse to accept the result.