Final answer:
John Locke defined the social contract as a mutual agreement where the government's power comes from the consent of the governed, aiming to protect the rights and property of individuals. The government must provide public goods and services, like national defense, that benefit all people. Free rider problems occur when individuals do not contribute to the provision of these public goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Locke's Definition of Social Contract
John Locke's influence on the concept of social contract is profound. He believed in a system where the government's authority comes from the consent of the governed. In Locke's view, individuals enter into a social contract to ensure protection of their rights and property. This contract entrusts the government with the responsibility of preserving personal freedoms while holding it accountable to the people, who in turn, must respect the rule of law.
The Declaration of Independence and Government Power
According to the Declaration of Independence (DOI), the government derives its power from the consent of the governed. This idea is rooted in Locke's philosophy. If a government fails to protect the natural rights of the people, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and institute a new government that is better suited to provide for their safety and happiness.
Examples of Social Contract and Public Good
Public goods, according to social contract theory, are essential services provided by the government that everyone benefits from and cannot be excluded from, such as national defense and public roads. The problem of free riders arises when individuals benefit from public goods without contributing to their provision, which can cause issues regarding collective action and the maintenance of these goods.