What does "social contract" mean in a societal context?

In a societal context, the term "social contract" refers to the implicit agreement among the members of a society regarding the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of individuals in relation to one another and the governing body. This conceptual framework suggests that individuals consent, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a ruler or government in exchange for protection and the benefit of social order.

The social contract theory, articulated by philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, highlights the foundational principles that govern the relationship between citizens and the state, as well as the moral and political obligations of both parties. In essence, it posits that societal cooperation and the establishment of governance arise from mutual agreement rather than purely coercive means.

This understanding contrasts with the other options, which do not capture the essence of a social contract. For example, an economic agreement between nations focuses on financial relationships and trade, while an explicit law refers to specific legal mandates enacted by a government. A political manifesto, on the other hand, outlines political beliefs and goals but does not imply a collective agreement among the members of society, as the social contract does. By recognizing the social contract as a cornerstone