Rousseau and the "General Will": The Function of Direct Democracy in Rousseau's Theory and Modern Practice. This essay will examine the concept of "general will" as defined and explored in Rousseau's The Social Contract. It will be argued that this concept plays an integral role in Rousseau's political theory as it embodies both the idealism and the realism of Rousseau's political analysis. Pages: 3 Bibliography: 1 source(s) listed Filename: 19012 Rousseau General Will.doc Price: 26.85