What term describes the idea that any governance begins with a social contract?

The concept that governance begins with a social contract is best captured by Social Contract Theory. This theory posits that individuals collectively agree to form a society and establish a government to ensure social order and protect their rights in exchange for some degree of personal freedom. This philosophical approach is foundational to many modern political systems, as it emphasizes the legitimacy of government deriving from the consent of the governed. Prominent thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau have significantly contributed to the development of this theory, proposing that the authority of the state arises from an agreement among the people to create a framework for governance that reflects their shared values and collective interests.

The other terms do not accurately capture this fundamental idea. Social Cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts of individuals within a society but does not specifically denote the foundational agreement that gives rise to governance. Political Philosophy encompasses a broader spectrum of ideas regarding government and ethics, not limited to the social contract. The Feudal System describes a specific historical structure of governance and land ownership during the medieval period, which does not reflect the theoretical underpinnings associated with Social Contract Theory.