How we cite our quotes: (Article.Sentence)
Quote #1
Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may be founded only upon the general good. (1.1)
This is the ultimate liberty, that everyone is equal under the law—probably not an accident they put it first. Of course, they aren't actually including everyone—women and landless peasants are defined as neither men, nor citizens—but that's a wrinkle to be worked out later.
Quote #2
The aim of all political association is the preservation of the natural and imprescriptible rights of man. These rights are liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. (2.1-2)
This implies that everyone has certain rights and that they can't be doled out to a select few because they're not the government's to give. They're something we're all born with. The rights are natural; they're handed down from God, or a Supreme Being, or just something that isn't a king named Louis.
Quote #3
Law is the expression of the general will. Every citizen has a right to participate personally, or through his representative, in its foundation. It must be the same for all, whether it protects or punishes. (6.1-2)
Basically: judges have to apply the law in the same way to everyone. No more letting your friends off the hook and bringing the hammer down on your enemies. (This is a right that's difficult to enforce, btw.)
Quote #4
All citizens, being equal in the eyes of the law, are equally eligible to all dignities and to all public positions and occupations, according to their abilities, and without distinction except that of their virtues and talents. (6.3)
Okay, so people aren't literally equal: some are smart, some are short, and some are sleepy, some are dopey, and some are Doc. But the law can only make distinctions based on virtues and talents, not on things like titles and last names.
Quote #5
A common contribution is essential for the maintenance of the public forces and for the cost of administration. This should be equitably distributed among all the citizens in proportion to their means. (13.1-2)
Taxes should be equal and proportionate. A peasant shouldn't pay the same as a banker, but they should pay the same percentage. It's complicated but fair…if they figure out a way to do it.