The social contract in political theory refers to an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society in exchange for certain benefits, such as protection and social order. Philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau have different interpretations of this concept, focusing on the origin of state authority and individual rights. The social contract justifies governmental power and the obligations of citizens, establishing the foundation for democracy and the rule of law. It highlights the negotiation between individual freedom and collective responsibility.