In political philosophy, a social contract is an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society, surrendering some of their freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. This theory often posits that the legitimacy of governmental authority derives from the consent of the governed. Major philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau have contributed to this concept by outlining various forms of social contracts and their implications for individual rights and government responsibilities. Essentially, it serves as a foundation for understanding the relationship between the state and its citizens.