The Social Contract Lesson Plan

Consider what Rousseau says in The Social Contract about the necessity of civic awareness and participation. Do you think that more should to encourage this in the United States?

Students will most likely vary in their opinions about this question. Those who agree that more should be done may mention a variety of civic initiatives or policies: decreasing barriers to political participation, reducing the role of money in politics, etc. On the other hand, other students might disagree that increased civic awareness and participation are a panacea. Rousseau rightly points out that excessive conflict and dissension is a problem for democracies, and the politics of the United...