What was the idea given by Rousseau when he mentioned about the government based on 'social Contract'?

Question

anonymous · Answer

The people gave power to their rulers in return for protection of their rights.  If the ruler abused his power, the ruled had the duty to overthrow him.

anonymous · Answer

Rousseau said that personally, everyone has a right to believe what they want and act towards their own best interest. The government, on the other had has the job of acting towards the general public's best interest, and should have absolute power over that matter. The "social contract" part of it is that every citizen must agree to follow a certain set of guidelines, agreed upon in their own best interest, including promising to obey political authority.