Which statement BEST describes Rousseau’s view of the relationship between governments and the rights of the people?

Question

A.
If governments are to remain in power, they must protect the rights of at least some of their citizens.
B.
When governments are created with the consent of the people, the people are more likely to retain their natural rights.
C.
Governments should act as a paternal, or father figure, whose sole responsibility is to protect society from chaos.
D.
Governments should only protect the rights of the majority, since it is the majority of citizens that give the government its power and authority

Answer 1

The statement that BEST describes Rousseau’s view of the relationship between governments and the rights of the people is:

B. When governments are created with the consent of the people, the people are more likely to retain their natural rights.

Rousseau emphasized the importance of the social contract, which posits that legitimate political authority comes from the consent of the governed. He argued that a government should reflect the general will of the people, thereby ensuring the protection of their natural rights.