Social Contract
An agreement between the people of a state and the government of a state
Real World Example
During the Enlightenment, the concept of the social contract was popularized by philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who argued that governments should be based on the consent of the governed. This idea was crucial during the American Revolution as it justified the colonists' decision to break away from British rule, claiming that the British government had violated its contract with the people by imposing unfair laws. The social contract responded to problems of absolute monarchy and the lack of representation for ordinary people. Today, the social contract remains important as it underpins democratic societies, ensuring that governments are accountable to the people and must protect citizens' rights. For example, when citizens vote in elections, they are participating in the social contract by choosing leaders who they believe will uphold their values and interests, impacting laws and policies that affect everyday life.
