The main idea behind the social contract theory proposed by Hobbes and Locke revolves around the relationship between individuals and the authority of the state. Hobbes, in "Leviathan," argued for a strong, centralized authority to prevent chaos and maintain order, believing that humans in their natural state would act selfishly. Conversely, Locke viewed the social contract as a means to protect individual rights, such as life, liberty, and property, advocating for a government that derives its power from the consent of the governed. Both philosophers’ ideas have profoundly influenced modern democratic thought, emphasizing the role of individual rights in governance.