Final answer:
The social contract is a historical concept that explains the relationship between individuals and the state. Rousseau's ideas on the social contract influenced the constitution by emphasizing the importance of the will of the people. This contributed to the stability and longevity of the constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical significance of the social contract lies in its representation of the relationship between individuals and the state. It asserts that individuals surrender their natural rights to the state, which then assumes the responsibility of protecting those rights. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's ideas on the social contract influenced the constitution by promoting the concept that the government should be guided by the will of the people as a whole. This contributed to the stability and longevity of the constitution by ensuring a balance between individual liberties and the authority of the state.
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