Based on the theories of Locke during the Enlightenment, what did government stand to gain by implementing the social contract theory? authority peace legitimacy prosperity

The correct answer is authority.

The social contract theory is based on the idea that citizens will give up some of their freedoms/abilities to the government so that the government can protect them. This includes the creation of laws that all citizens should follow to ensure safety. Based on this concept, you can see that the social contract theory gives the government its power, as the citizens are willingly giving up certain rights so that society as a whole is safer.