Which term describes the social theory that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for social order?

Which term describes the social theory that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for social order?

• A. divine right
• B. social contract
• C. natural law
• D. utilitarianism

Answer: (B)

The social contract describes how people consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for social order. This idea frames political legitimacy as arising from a mutual agreement to form a society and be governed by rules that protect safety, property, and shared welfare. Different Enlightenment thinkers illustrate how this consent legitimizes authority and sets limits on power: Hobbes argues for a strong sovereign to avoid a chaotic state of nature; Locke stresses government to protect natural rights with limited powers and the right of rebellion if those rights are violated; Rousseau emphasizes the general will and civic equality within the body politic. Divine right bases authority on God rather than consent; natural law points to universal moral principles without an explicit social bargain; utilitarianism focuses on outcomes and the greatest good rather than the formation of political order through consent.

The social contract describes how people consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for social order. This idea frames political legitimacy as arising from a mutual agreement to form a society and be governed by rules that protect safety, property, and shared welfare. Different Enlightenment thinkers illustrate how this consent legitimizes authority and sets limits on power: Hobbes argues for a strong sovereign to avoid a chaotic state of nature; Locke stresses government to protect natural rights with limited powers and the right of rebellion if those rights are violated; Rousseau emphasizes the general will and civic equality within the body politic. Divine right bases authority on God rather than consent; natural law points to universal moral principles without an explicit social bargain; utilitarianism focuses on outcomes and the greatest good rather than the formation of political order through consent.