Diderot believed that a government or leader obtains power through a social contract between the ruler and the ruled. He argued that people voluntarily relinquish certain liberties and freedoms in exchange for protection and governance. According to Diderot, power is derived from the consent of the governed and should be exercised in the best interest of the people. He believed that a government/leader should be accountable to the people and should govern based on reason and the principles of justice.
