In my last blog post, I talked about different Social Contracts from three different philosophers: Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. In this blog post, I will expand on the idea of the Social contract, and how it continues to play a role in our government today.

Foundations of Modern Democracies:

Modern democracies are often built on the principles of the social contract, emphasizing the idea that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Constitutions in many democratic countries incorporate elements of Locke’s theory, establishing a framework for the protection of individual rights and the accountability of government. For example, in the United States, Jefferson (who mostly wrote the Constitution), used many of Locke’s enlightened ideals, especially Locke’s social contract. Locke emphasized the idea of natural rights in his social contract, and the pursuit of life, liberty and property (not so coincidentally very similar to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness outlined in the Constitution).

Rousseau’s idea of the general will and collective sovereignty also underpins the rule of law, where laws are created and enforced to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals. Rousseau’s social contract emphasizes that no one, including government officials, is above the law, a principle that is present in virtually all developed countries worldwide. The Magna Carta (1215) laid the groundwork for the rule of law in England, influencing modern legal systems. It established the principle that even the king is subject to the law, reflecting Rousseau’s idea of collective sovereignty where laws reflect the general will of the people.

Conclusion

The social contract remains a vital concept in contemporary political and social theory. Its principles underpin modern democracies, the protection of civil rights and liberties, efforts towards social justice, and responses to public health crises. As societies continue to evolve, the social contract provides a philosophical foundation for balancing individual freedoms with collective responsibilities, ensuring that governments remain accountable to the people they serve. By revisiting and reinterpreting these foundational ideas, we can address the complex challenges of the modern world and work towards building more just and equitable societies.