a mini essay XXXXXXXXXXwords), properly cited (APA) on the following topic: Compare and contrast the views of Karl Marx and Jean-Jacques Rousseau on the ideal form of government. In what sense do both...

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Rousseau and Marx: Comparison and Contrast
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the father of modern theory of democracy, and Karl Marx, the
proponent of socialism and classless society, both were instrumental in shaping the political
history of mankind. Both Rousseau and Marx upheld the importance of a true democracy and
both of them emphasized more on equality and equal distribution of wealth and power to achieve
a true form of democracy. But though there are similarities to be found between the ideologies
and political philosophies of both these eminent personalities, some basic differences can also be
found.
For Rousseau the direct participation of individuals in the mode of governance was an
ideal way to secure perfect democracy and a highly participatory General Will was the key for
establishing an appropriate democracy. But Marx’s principle differed from Rousseau’s in respect
of the way of achieving a perfect democracy and he stressed more on the economics as for him it
was the economic inequalities and existence of class hierarchies which were hindrances towards
the establishment of a true democracy. It is noteworthy that without the essence of equality no
democracy can be termed as a true democracy and this point was admitted by both Rousseau and
Marx. Being leftist thinkers, Rousseau and...