Quiz on The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

What period is characterized by reason and scientific inquiry before the French Revolution?

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Renaissance

• The Dark Ages

• The Age of Enlightenment

Who is considered one of the most eloquent writers of the Age of Enlightenment?

• Voltaire

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

What is the title of Rousseau's most important contribution to political philosophy?

• Emile, or On Education

• Discourse on the Origin of Inequality

• Discourse on the Moral Effects of the Arts and Sciences

• The Social Contract

What does Rousseau believe is the reason for the formation of civil society?

• The influence of religion

• The need for a monarchy

• The rise of trade

• The establishment of private property

What is the nature of the social contract according to Rousseau?

• Based on military power

• Involuntary and imposed

• A divine right of kings

• Voluntary and mutually agreed upon

What does Rousseau mean by 'moral liberty'?

• Complete independence from society

• The ability to act on one's desires

• Liberty limited by the laws made by men themselves

• Freedom from all laws

What is the general will?

• The desires of the government

• The sum of individual interests

• The expression of the interest of the community

• The will of the majority

What happens to those who refuse to obey the general will?

• They are ignored

• They are compelled to obey

• They are exiled

• They are rewarded

What is the role of government according to Rousseau?

• To act as an agent of the general will

• To serve the interests of the wealthy

• To impose laws without consent

• To maintain the status quo

What does Rousseau say about sovereignty?

• It is granted by the church

• It is inalienable and indivisible

• It can be represented by elected officials

• It belongs to the monarchy