What is a social contract, and why is sovereignty an important part of a social contract?

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

I am not certain it is, frankly. But some think a general will exists in which members of society undertake a "contract" wherein they submit to responsibilities and duties and wherein a government then accepts duties and responsibilities to the people.

A social Contract is an agreement with the government, Where the government and the people have distinct roles and responsibilities.

Sovereignty is an important part of a social contract because without it, the rights and liberties of its citizens are not fully protected by national or international standards.

A social contract refers to an implicit agreement or understanding between the government and the citizens of a society. It is a concept that dates back to the works of political philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The social contract theory suggests that individuals willingly give up some of their rights and freedoms to the government in exchange for protection, security, and the well-being of the society as a whole.

Sovereignty, in the context of a social contract, is an essential element. It refers to the supreme power or authority vested in the government to govern a society. Sovereignty allows the government to make and enforce laws, ensure order, resolve disputes, and protect the interests and welfare of its citizens.

Here's how sovereignty becomes an important part of a social contract:

1. Consent and Legitimacy: Sovereignty ensures that the government has the legitimate authority to govern, as it derives its power from the collective will of the people. The citizens give their consent to the government to exercise sovereignty on their behalf, which grants the government the right to make decisions, enforce laws, and govern the society.

2. Rule of Law: Sovereignty provides the government with the authority to create and enforce laws that regulate the behavior and actions of individuals within the society. This fosters order, stability, and predictability, as citizens know what is expected of them and what consequences they may face for violations.

3. Protection: Sovereignty empowers the government to protect the rights, freedoms, and security of the citizens. It allows the government to establish a system of justice, defend against external threats, promote public safety, and provide various services like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and more.

4. Accountability and Representation: Sovereignty ensures that the government is accountable to the people. In a democratic society, the citizens have the power to elect their representatives and hold them accountable for their actions. Sovereignty ensures that the government acts in the best interests of the citizens and aligns with their needs and preferences.

To summarize, sovereignty is a crucial aspect of a social contract as it grants the government the authority to govern and make decisions on behalf of the citizens. It plays a vital role in ensuring the consent, legitimacy, protection, and accountability of the government, ultimately contributing to the stability and well-being of a society.