The significance of the social contract in political theory lies in its exploration of the relationship between individuals and the state. The concept posits that individuals consent to form governments in exchange for the protection of their rights and provision of Social order. Thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau offered various interpretations of this agreement, addressing the legitimacy of authority and obligations of citizens. The social contract remains fundamental in discussions about governance, democracy, and individual liberties, shaping modern understandings of political legitimacy.