In "On the Social Contract" Jean-Jacques Rousseau profoundly describes a social contract between all members of society as the foundation of a republic. The social contract is not a verbal agreement nor written mandate but a binding commitment "...which serves in the state as the basis of all rights" for the creation of one soul (On the Social Contract, 151). The social contract enables members to exercise their rights of freedom in a civil state. Through liberty, enactment of laws and voting man continues to be free even though "everywhere he is in chains" (On the Social Contact, 141).
             In order for the social contract to exist, members must recognize the power of the "supreme direction of the general will" (On the Social Contract, 148). The general will is a common interest within the republic that is good for all people. It is like a voice that speaks for the members, directs their actions and leads them to do what is in the common good. Since the general will is in the republic's common interest, the general will is always infallible and indestructible. When it seems as if there is a disaccord it is not because of the nature of the general will but confusion between the distinction of the general will and private will. Contrary to the general will, the private will is a particular interest that everyone possesses. The private will can influence people to do what is good for them independently of what is good for others. While the private will tends towards individual interests "...the general will tends towards equality" (On the Social Contract, 154).
             In many instances the general will and private will co-exist and are able to do so, so long as the general will is the main leading interest. For example, within a basketball team the player's common interest is to play ball and win. A player's private interest may be the want for special recognition. ...