Final Answer:
Rousseau is in favor of democracy because he believes in the concept of the "general will," where the sovereignty of the state lies in the collective decisions of its citizens. Montesquieu, on the other hand, is not a staunch supporter of democracy. He advocates for a separation of powers and believes that a republic with a system of checks and balances is more suitable to prevent the abuse of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rousseau's support for democracy stems from his emphasis on the "general will" as the foundation of political legitimacy. According to Rousseau, individuals should participate in the decision-making process to express the collective will of the people. In a democratic system, citizens have a direct say in the laws and policies that govern them, aligning with Rousseau's vision of a just and equal society.
Montesquieu, however, holds reservations about democracy. In his seminal work "The Spirit of the Laws," Montesquieu advocates for a separation of powers to prevent the concentration of authority. He contends that a republic with distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each checking the powers of the others, is essential for political stability. Montesquieu is skeptical about the ability of a pure democracy to ensure a balanced government, fearing the potential for tyranny of the majority.
In summary, while Rousseau champions democracy as a means to express the general will and achieve equality, Montesquieu favors a more nuanced republic with checks and balances to safeguard against the abuse of power. Their differing perspectives on the nature of political authority and the mechanisms for preventing tyranny shape their respective positions on democracy."