Why did Rousseau write the social contract?

Rousseau wrote "The Social Contract" to explore the idea of a just society where individuals could maintain their freedom while being part of a collective group. He believed that the existing political systems were flawed and that people needed to come together to create a new social contract that respected individual rights and the common good. Through his work, Rousseau aimed to spark discussions on the nature of government and the relationship between rulers and the ruled.