What does social contract theory imply about the relationship between individuals and government?

Social contract theory posits that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a government in exchange for the protection of their remaining rights. This philosophical framework suggests that a legitimate government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, creating a mutual obligation: individuals allow the government to exercise power over them in certain ways while the government, in turn, is expected to provide safety, order, and protection of individual rights.

In this context, the correct choice reflects the fundamental notion that while individuals surrender certain liberties for the benefits of law and order, they do not relinquish all their rights. The balance established between individual freedoms and governmental authority is central to maintaining a stable society.

Options that suggest unlimited government power or individuals retaining all their rights without any engagement miss the essence of the social contract, which revolves around mutual agreement and responsibility. Similarly, the idea that a government can be overthrown at any time is a more radical interpretation that overlooks the structured means through which change is typically enacted in a stable social contract framework.