Social contract

Definition

The social contract is a philosophical concept that outlines the implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection and social benefits. This idea emphasizes the relationship between the governed and the government, suggesting that authority is derived from the consent of the governed, which is central to many Enlightenment ideas and American revolutionary thought. It significantly influenced foundational documents and debates concerning governance and rights in early American literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The social contract theory was popularized by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, each presenting different views on human nature and governance.
2. Locke's version of the social contract argued for a government that protects individual rights, significantly influencing the Declaration of Independence.
3. Paine’s revolutionary rhetoric leveraged the social contract to justify independence from British rule, claiming that government should protect the rights of citizens.
4. The Federalist Papers defended the new Constitution by discussing how it was a product of a social contract aimed at creating a balanced government to protect liberty.
5. The concept of social contract has been pivotal in American political thought, shaping discussions about democracy, rights, and governance in foundational texts.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment philosophers contribute to the development of the social contract theory?
  • Enlightenment philosophers like Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau laid the groundwork for social contract theory by exploring ideas about human nature and governance. Locke emphasized natural rights and believed that government's role was to protect those rights, while Hobbes viewed life without government as chaotic. Rousseau argued for collective governance based on general will. Their differing perspectives shaped how future political frameworks, including those in America, would incorporate these ideas into discussions about consent and governance.
• In what ways did Thomas Paine use the concept of social contract in his arguments for independence?
  • Thomas Paine used the social contract as a powerful rhetorical tool to advocate for independence from British rule. He argued that governments exist to protect individual rights and that when a government fails to do so, citizens have a right to revolt. In 'Common Sense', Paine highlighted how Britain violated this social contract by imposing unjust laws and taxes on the colonies without their consent. By framing the struggle for independence as a restoration of this contract, he galvanized public support for revolutionary action.
• Evaluate how the debates in The Federalist Papers illustrate the application of social contract principles to the new American Constitution.
  • The Federalist Papers reflect a deep engagement with social contract principles as they defend the newly proposed Constitution. The authors argued that the Constitution represented an agreement among states and individuals to form a government capable of maintaining order while protecting individual liberties. They addressed concerns about tyranny by emphasizing checks and balances, showcasing that power derives from the consent of the governed. This discourse was critical in reassuring citizens that their rights would be safeguarded under this new framework, illustrating a practical application of social contract theory in American governance.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights that individuals are born with, such as life, liberty, and property, which cannot be surrendered or transferred.

Consent of the Governed: The principle that government derives its legitimacy from the approval of the people it governs, a key idea in democratic theory.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.