WEST-E Social Studies Practice Test

What is the basis of the social contract origin of state theory?

1. The belief in natural order

2. People govern themselves without restrictions

3. Government is established through people's consent for protection

4. States are formed solely through conquest

The correct answer is: Government is established through people's consent for protection

The social contract theory of the origin of the state is fundamentally built on the concept that governments are formed through the consent of the governed. This principle asserts that individuals come together to form a society and allocate certain powers to a governing body in exchange for protection and the maintenance of social order. The idea emphasizes the agreement among individuals to collectively sacrifice some of their freedoms in order to receive security and the benefits that come with a structured society. This concept was notably articulated by philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, each of whom presented different perspectives on the nature of this consent and the rights of individuals within the context of governance. Their work highlights the importance of mutual agreement and the legitimacy of authority derived from the populace's approval. In contrast, other options present theories that do not align with this foundational principle. For instance, the idea of a natural order postulates that society is governed by inherent laws predetermined by nature, while the notion of self-governance without restrictions overlooks the need for a structured authority to ensure order and protection. Lastly, the concept of states arising from conquest implies a top-down approach where power is taken rather than agreed upon, which contradicts the principles of the social contract that prioritize consens