[wouldntbprudent]

But how can the rule of law take hold without the "social contract" of individuals committing to doing right because it's right?

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

The rule of law certainly has more credibility if the people support the government open to pluralistic liberties. Crucial to the rule of law having credibility is that "no one is above the law." The Ancient Athenian Republic and Roman Republic thrived on the rule of law. The Roman Republic eventually died when it could not control the vast empire that it had created. Even under the Empire, the rule of law prevailed, except of course when Emperors became the law. Countries like Mexico and other third world countries still thrive on corruption despite a structure based on an apparent rule of law.
The beauty of the English (and American system) is that the legal traditions of the common law evolved over the centuries, even during periods with strong monarchs, that the rule of law provided inherent rights of its citizens.