Which concept did Rousseau's work influence in political philosophy?

Rousseau's work significantly influenced the concept of social contracts in governance, which emphasizes the mutual agreement between individuals and their government regarding rights and responsibilities. In his seminal work, "The Social Contract," Rousseau argued that legitimate political authority arises from a social contract agreed upon by all members of society. He proposed that individuals come together to form a collective will, which represents the general will that serves the common good. This idea laid the foundational principles for modern democratic thought, asserting that government should be based on the consent of the governed and that citizens have a role in legislative processes.

This concept contrasts with other political theories, such as laissez-faire economics, which focuses on minimal governmental interference in economic activities; utilitarian principles, which prioritize the greatest happiness for the greatest number; and checks and balances, which are mechanisms designed to prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power. While these ideas are influential in political philosophy, Rousseau’s emphasis on the social contract specifically shaped discussions about political legitimacy and individual rights within the framework of governance.