What is a key characteristic of a Social Contract?

A key characteristic of a Social Contract is that it is based on mutual consent between the government and the governed. This concept arises from the philosophy of political theorists such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke, who emphasized that individuals agree to form a society and establish a government in exchange for certain protections and benefits. In this agreement, citizens grant the government the authority to rule in exchange for the preservation of their rights and freedoms.

Mutual consent is crucial because it acknowledges that legitimacy of authority comes from the people’s agreement to abide by the rules and laws set by the governing body. This agreement forms the foundation for rights and responsibilities within the society, highlighting the importance of individual participation in the governance process. The idea reinforces democratic principles where power is derived from the consent of the governed, ensuring that the government acts in the best interest of the people rather than overstepping its bounds.