A "social contract" in political theory is an implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for mutual benefits, establishing the foundation of governance. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of individuals and the state, often justifying the authority of the government. The concept suggests that people consent to surrender some freedoms to ensure protection and order. Thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau elaborated on this idea, shaping discussions around legitimacy and the role of the state.