The "social contract" is a philosophical concept that explains the agreement among individuals to form a society. It suggests that people consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and the benefits of living in a structured community. This idea is often associated with thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In a social contract, the government or authority is seen as a representative of the people's will, tasked with maintaining order and ensuring justice. If the government fails to uphold its end of the agreement, citizens may have the right to challenge or change it, reflecting the dynamic relationship between individuals and their governing bodies.