If a government fails to uphold the social contract, what can the people do?

The concept of the social contract suggests that individuals consent to form a society and establish a government in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of order. If a government does not uphold its end of the contract—by failing to protect rights, maintain order, or represent the will of the people—the social contract provides a theoretical foundation for the people to take significant action.

Choosing to withdraw consent and abolish the government is rooted in the idea that the legitimacy of governmental power derives from the consent of the governed. If that consent is broken due to the government's failure, the people possess the right to dissolve that government and create a new system that better reflects their needs and values. This action aligns with historical declarations, such as the Declaration of Independence, where it is stated that it is the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to their inherent rights.

Other options, while they may reflect discontent with the government, do not embody the fundamental right of people to reject an unfit government in favor of establishing one that meets their social contract. Voting, for instance, can be seen as a more passive approach and may not address systemic issues if the existing government ignores the will of the majority. Protests, while effective in