Full Idea
The state is no more bound to leave civil authority to its leaders than it is to leave military authority to its generals.
Gist of Idea
The state is not bound to leave civil authority to its leaders
Source
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], III.18)
Book Reference
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.202
A Reaction
He assumes that a meeting of the citizens can articulate a new expression of the general will, but this idea also endorses revolution, if the prince or magistrates refuse to call this national AGM.