What theory suggests that citizens give the state enough power to manage itself?

Social Contract Theory is the concept that explains the relationship between individuals and their government, asserting that individuals voluntarily give up certain freedoms and submit to the authority of a governing body in exchange for protection of their remaining rights and maintenance of social order. This theory posits that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, implying that citizens agree to allow the state to exercise power for the collective benefit of society.

This theory has historical roots in the works of philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, each contributing unique perspectives on the nature of the social contract and the extent of governmental authority. By representing a balance between individual liberties and the necessity of a governing authority, Social Contract Theory provides a foundational understanding of why citizens might grant power to their government, ensuring stability and protection in exchange for certain freedoms.