Which theory did John Locke develop regarding government and society?

John Locke is known for his development of the Social Contract Theory, which centers around the idea that individuals inherently possess rights and freedoms. He posited that people consent to form governments to protect these natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. In doing so, they grant a degree of authority to the government. However, Locke also emphasized that if a government fails to protect these rights or acts unjustly, the people retain the right to revolt and establish a new governance that better aligns with their principles of justice and liberty.

This foundational concept is critical in understanding the relationship between citizens and the government in Locke's philosophy. His ideas profoundly influenced political thought and the development of democratic principles, particularly the notion of consent of the governed as a legitimate basis for political authority.