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![]() ![]() If all the different opinions have equal influence, the general will be the same as the will of all. Rousseau distinguishes between the "will of all" - the sum of all competing opinions within a society - and the general will. However, the deliberations of the people do not always express the general will. The general will is always right, and always promotes public utility. In reality, he believes, these parts are subordinate to the general will and merely put into effect the interests of the community. Rousseau complains about political theorists who divide sovereignty into different parts, such as legislative and executive power. ![]() Sovereignty is also indivisible: the will either reflects the interests of all citizens, or it does not. Thus, sovereignty is inalienable, and the sovereign cannot be represented by anything other than itself. A private individual may temporarily have the same interests as the general will, but will not share the community's interests in all circumstances. Only the general will can direct the forces of the community toward the common good. ![]()
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