According to John Locke what is the purpose of the social contract? Human nature cannot be trusted, so any government is better than anarchy The government provides national security in exchange for individuals' life, liberty, and property. In exchange for the protection of their natural rights, individuals give up their private property. Individuals give up some freedom to form a government that protects their property.

ccording to John Locke, the purpose of the social contract is **individuals give up some freedom to form a government that protects their property.** Locke believed that individuals possess natural rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property. The social contract is formed to better protect these rights than individuals could on their own in a state of nature. People consent to give up some individual freedoms and submit to a governing authority in exchange for the protection of their natural rights, especially their property rights.<br />