The concept of the social contract shapes governance by positing that individuals consent to form governments to protect their rights and maintain order. This philosophical idea suggests that citizens relinquish some freedoms in exchange for security and the benefits of organized society. The social contract serves as a foundation for legitimate government authority, emphasizing mutual obligations between rulers and the ruled. It influences democratic principles, suggesting that governments must be accountable to the people and may be dismantled if they fail to uphold their responsibilities, thereby shaping the nature of political legitimacy.