Who did Rousseau say society should be governed by?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that society should be governed by the "general will," which represents the collective interests and common good of the people. He believed that legitimate political authority arises from the consent of the governed, emphasizing that true freedom comes from participating in the formation of the general will. Rousseau contended that a direct form of democracy, where citizens actively engage in decision-making, is essential for achieving this ideal governance.