The social contract is a foundational concept in political theory that describes the implicit agreements among individuals to form a society and establish governance structures. It suggests that citizens consent to surrender some of their freedoms in exchange for protection and the maintenance of order by the state. This idea is pivotal in discussions of legitimacy and authority in governance. If a government fails to uphold its end of the contract—protecting rights and serving the public interest—citizens may seek to reform or overthrow the regime, highlighting the dynamic nature of political authority.