Final answer:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was an influential 18th-century Swiss philosopher known for his contributions to political philosophy, particularly 'The Social Contract.'
Step-by-step explanation:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a significant Swiss philosopher and writer of the 18th century, best known for his influential works on political philosophy, especially 'The Social Contract'. Rousseau's groundbreaking idea stated that the legitimacy of a state is derived from its people's general will, and that all citizens should participate in shaping governmental policies to ensure everyone's freedom and equality. His famous assertion that "man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains" underscores his belief that governments have a duty to protect liberty; if they fail in this, they lose their right to govern. Rousseau's thoughts greatly impacted the development of modern political and social thought, including the framing of the United States Constitution.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Swiss philosopher who wrote The Social Contract in 1762. He believed that the social contract as it existed was not a voluntary pact entered into by the people, but a manipulation by the rich to control the common people. Rousseau's ideas influenced the framing of the United States Constitution and emphasized the importance of individual freedom and the will of the people in government.