Which concept was used to justify the establishment of government?

The concept that was used to justify the establishment of government is the social contract. This theory, developed by philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, posits that individuals consent to form a government and abide by its rules in exchange for protection and the establishment of social order. The social contract suggests that governance is legitimate only when it is based on the agreement of the governed, creating a foundation for political authority.

This idea aligns closely with the belief that individuals give up certain freedoms in exchange for security and order, which helps justify the power and authority of the state. It emphasizes a mutual agreement, where the people consent to be governed for their collective benefit. The social contract serves as a fundamental principle underpinning modern political and legal systems, expressing the moral and philosophical rationale for why societies organize themselves under governments.