What was the social contract an agreement between?

The social contract is an agreement between individuals and their governing authority, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both parties. It posits that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms and submit to the authority of the state in exchange for protection of their remaining rights and maintenance of social order. Philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, john Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau have different interpretations of the social contract, emphasizing various aspects of human nature and governance. Ultimately, it serves as a foundational concept for understanding political legitimacy and the relationship between citizens and their government.