Questions :

1. Rousseau says that "property is the most sacred of all the rights of citizenship." What do you think he means by this? Why might property be the most important right of a citizen? Why does Rousseau say the people cannot govern themselves without rulers?

2. Do you think it is true that "every government constantly tends to become lax," meaning relaxed, inefficient, or lazy? Does your own attitude about the government match Rousseau's observations?

3. Interpret the following line: "And it may justly be said that a government has reached the last stage of corruption, when it has ceased to have sinews [strengths] other than money." What other government strengths might Rousseau be referring to?

4. Throughout the essay, Rousseau alludes to society's confidence or lack thereof in its ruling government. According to the passage, what is the primary reason for citizen mistrust in a government? How might a government avoid losing the trust of its citizens?