The idea of the social contract was developed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and his contemporaries during the Enlightenment. The theory states that there is an implicit contract between the people of a nation and the government. This means that the people are forced to obey the rules of the government, but that in turn, the government has responsibilities towards the people. Moreover, if the government does not fulfill its duties, the people have reason to rebel.
This idea is reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. Both documents defend the idea that the government has certain duties towards the people. They also defend the people's right to rebel and disobey, or even to replace the government, if the other end of the bargain is not being respected.