The term “social contract” in political philosophy refers to an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain obligations in exchange for protection and the benefits of collective governance. This concept, popularized by philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, argues that individuals consent, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some freedoms to a governing body to ensure security and social order. This foundational idea shapes modern democratic principles, emphasizing the responsibilities of both citizens and the state in maintaining civil society.