Define "social contract" theory.

The concept of "social contract" theory is foundational in political philosophy and is primarily associated with thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This theory posits that individuals come together to form a government through a mutual agreement, or contract, in order to establish order and protect their rights. In this arrangement, individuals agree to surrender a portion of their freedoms in exchange for security and the protection of their remaining rights by the authority of the government.

This mutual consent forms the basis of political legitimacy; the government's power derives from the consent of the governed. Consequently, if a government fails to protect the rights of its citizens, the social contract suggests that the citizens have the right to withdraw their consent and seek to establish a new government that better serves their interests. This framework is critical to understanding the relationship between citizens and their government, emphasizing the balance between individual freedoms and collective security.