# Montesquieu — The Social Contract character guide

> Montesquieu in The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Montesquieu

**First appearance:** 0020-vi-law

## Who they are

Philosopher cited on laws, government forms, and climate theory.

## Relationships

### [Emile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/characters/emile)

_social_

Emile is a fictional character and does not interact with Montesquieu directly, but Rousseau's educational ideas contrast with Montesquieu's environmental determinism.

## In the story

### [The Legislator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/vii-the-legislator)

Quoted on the idea that rulers of republics establish institutions, and then institutions mould the rulers.

### [XI: The Various Systems of Legislation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/xi-the-various-systems-of-legislation)

Referenced as the author of 'The Spirit of the Laws', which showed how the legislator directs the constitution towards various objects.

### [IV: Democracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/iv-democracy)

Referenced as 'a famous writer' who made virtue the principle of republics, though Rousseau notes his imprecision.

### [That All Forms of Government Do Not Suit All Countries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/viii-that-all-forms-of-government-do-not-suit-all-countries)

His principle that liberty is not a fruit of all climates is cited and expanded upon.

### [Elections](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/iii-elections)

Quoted on the democratic nature of election by lot.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced for his work on the greatness and decadence of the Romans.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/characters/montesquieu
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/characters