Which Enlightenment writer expressed the idea that the relationship between government and the people it governs is a social contract?

a- Cincinnatus
b- John Locke
c- Cicero
d- Baron de Montesquieu
could it be d? I've never even heard of Cincinnatus.........

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cincinnatus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_locke

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicero

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_de_Montesquieu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment

Tell us what you think is correct, and we'll give you feedback.

=)

is it d- Montesquieu?

Re-read the first paragraphs of these and then let me know what you think. PS - not D.

??

John Locke

Yes, you are correct. The Enlightenment writer who expressed the idea that the relationship between government and the people it governs is a social contract is John Locke. The social contract theory states that individuals voluntarily enter into a contract with the government, giving up some of their rights and freedoms in exchange for protection and the promotion of the common good. This idea is discussed in Locke's influential work called "Two Treatises of Government," published in 1690. In this work, Locke argues that the government exists to serve and safeguard the natural rights of the people, and if a government fails to do so, the people have the right to rebel and establish a new government.