The Social Contract · Chapter
Elections explained
Rousseau examines the methods of election—choice and lot—and their suitability to different forms of government.
What happens
Rousseau examines the methods of election—choice and lot—and their suitability to different forms of government. He argues that election by lot is natural to democracy, while voting is appropriate for aristocracy, and that neither method applies in monarchy. He also critiques the Venetian government and draws parallels with Geneva, concluding with a reference to Roman assemblies for further illustration.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs in the recognition that the tribunate, as a "link or middle term,"…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Sovereignty and Government
Election of rulers is a function of government, not sovereignty, distinguishing the two.
- Liberty and Equality
The lot is democratic because it treats all citizens equally and avoids human will.
Characters to notice
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Author and narrator; presents the analysis of electoral methods.
- Montesquieu
Quoted on the democratic nature of election by lot.
Key passages
“Election by lot is democratic in nature.”
Choosing officials by lot is characteristic of democracy.
Rousseau agrees with Montesquieu but provides his own reasoning.
“In every real democracy, magistracy is not an advantage, but a burdensome charge which cannot justly be imposed on one individual rather than another.”
In a true democracy, holding office is a duty, not a privilege, and should be assigned fairly.
Rousseau justifies the use of lot in democracies as a fair method.
