Question

Which of the following concepts, related to social contract theory, best explains the source of government power?


natural rights


popular sovereignty


limited government


divine right of kings

Answer 1

The concept of popular sovereignty best explains the source of government power in relation to social contract theory. Popular sovereignty asserts that the legitimacy of a government comes from the consent and authority of the people. It emphasizes the idea that power ultimately rests in the hands of the people, who have the right to establish and control their government.

Natural rights, on the other hand, refer to the inherent rights that individuals possess, such as life, liberty, and property. While natural rights are closely associated with social contract theory, they do not directly explain the source of government power.

Limited government refers to the idea that the powers and authority of the government should be restricted to prevent the abuse of power and protect individual rights. While an important aspect of social contract theory, it does not directly explain the source of government power.

The divine right of kings is not a concept associated with social contract theory. It is a traditional belief that claims monarchs derived their authority to rule directly from a higher power, typically a religious deity. This concept contrasts with social contract theory, which emphasizes the consent and authority of the people as the source of government power.