USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In simple terms, social contract theory asserts that government exists only by the consent of the people in order to protect basic rights and promote the common good of society.

Detailed explanation-2: -In the social contract, individuals agreed to form a political society based on certain conditions, including that the people surrendered many of their rights to a sovereign leader-one with legitimate authority-to protect their lives. The sovereign was given the power to enforce the contract.

Detailed explanation-3: -John Locke’s philosophy inspired and reflected Enlightenment values in its recognition of the rights and equality of individuals, its criticism of arbitrary authority (e.g., the divine right of kings), its advocacy of religious toleration, and its general empirical and scientific temperament.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hobbes called this agreement the “social contract.” Hobbes believed that a government headed by a king was the best form that the sovereign could take. Placing all power in the hands of a king would mean more resolute and consistent exercise of political authority, Hobbes argued.