The "Social Contract" is a philosophical concept that explores the agreement between individuals and their government. It suggests that people consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms in exchange for protection and the benefits of organized society. This idea is often associated with thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In a social contract, the legitimacy of authority comes from the consent of the governed. If a government fails to protect the rights and welfare of its citizens, the social contract implies that the people have the right to challenge or change that government. This concept has influenced modern political theory and democratic principles.