A social contract is an implicit agreement among individuals in a society to cooperate for social benefits, such as protection and social order. This concept suggests that people give up certain freedoms in exchange for the security and stability provided by a governing body. The idea is often associated with philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who explored how governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed. In essence, social contracts help explain the relationship between individuals and their government. They outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, emphasizing that citizens agree to follow laws and norms in return for the protection of their rights and welfare. This framework is foundational to modern political theory and democratic governance.