Which concept did Rousseau emphasize as essential for a functioning democracy?

Rousseau emphasized the concept of the Social Contract as essential for a functioning democracy. In his seminal work "The Social Contract," he proposed that legitimate political authority relies on the collective agreement of the people, rather than on monarchy or divine authority. Rousseau believed that individuals come together to form a collective will, which reflects the general interest of the community. This idea promotes the idea that governments must be formed with the consent of the governed and that citizens have a role in shaping the laws and policies that affect their lives.

The Social Contract lays the foundation for democracy by advocating for equality and the responsibility of citizens to participate in the political process. It supports the notion that political power must derive from the people, aligning with democratic ideals. This emphasis on popular sovereignty and collective decision-making is what makes the Social Contract a cornerstone of Rousseau's vision of democracy. In essence, it underlines the notion that for democracy to thrive, there must be a mutual agreement among individuals to ensure their freedoms and rights are protected through a just political system.