Who proposed that individuals enter into a social contract to form government?

The idea of individuals entering into a social contract to form government is primarily attributed to John Locke. Locke's social contract theory posits that individuals in a state of nature agree to form a society and establish a government in order to protect their natural rights, which include life, liberty, and property. He believed that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and the role of government in safeguarding these rights.

This concept fundamentally influenced modern democratic thought, particularly regarding government legitimacy and the right of people to revolt against unjust rulers, shaping the foundation for liberal political philosophy and constitutional democracy. The notion of a social contract is central to Locke’s arguments for a government that is accountable to the people, highlighting the voluntary nature of political association.