According to John Locke's social contract theory, the government promises to do what?

• A. An agreement in which the government promises to provide a minimum standard of living to citizens
• B. It is an agreement between political actors to maintain their grip on power
• C. It is an agreement in which the government promises to protect the natural rights of people
• D. An agreement between economic elites to maintain a stable economy

Answer: (C)

Locke’s theory centers on government arising from the consent of the governed to protect individuals’ natural rights—life, liberty, and property. The social contract is an agreement in which people give the government the authority to rule in order to secure these rights. In return, the government must act to safeguard them and operate within the limits of protecting those rights. If the government fails to do so, the people retain the right to alter or replace it.

So, the government promises to protect natural rights. It’s not about guaranteeing a minimum standard of living, maintaining grip on power, or serving as a pact among elites to keep the economy stable.