Final answer:
In the 18th century, many did not equate representative government with democracy due to concerns about personal security, property rights, majority rule, and the idea of a large political unit.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 18th century, many did not equate representative government with democracy for various reasons. Revolutionaries, including wealthy landowners and merchants, viewed democracy as a system that could threaten personal security and property rights. They believed that majority rule could easily overpower minority rights. Additionally, the wealthy few were concerned that a hostile majority could seize and redistribute their wealth.
The idea of a large political unit also made direct democracy difficult to implement, according to Rousseau's perspective. Therefore, these factors contributed to the hesitation in equating representative government with democracy in the 18th century.