Which of the following is protected by a contract bond?

A contract bond, often referred to as a surety bond, serves to protect various parties involved in a construction project by ensuring that contractual obligations are met. The primary purpose of a contract bond is to provide financial assurance that the contractor will fulfill the terms of the contract, including completing the work and adhering to applicable laws and regulations.

When a contractor is bonded, it means that a third-party surety company guarantees that the contractor will complete the work as per the contract. If the contractor fails to meet these obligations, the surety company is responsible for compensating the affected parties. This can include clients who suffer damage due to contract violations and workers who experience financial harm due to wage payment failures. Additionally, instances of contractor fraud may also be covered under certain types of bonds, providing further protections.

Thus, the comprehensive nature of what a contract bond protects—clients, workers, and acts of fraud—justifies why "all of the above" is the correct answer. Each of these aspects is vital to ensuring compliance and protecting the interests of everyone involved in the contract. The effective oversight provided by a bond encourages contractors to uphold their contractual responsibilities, helping to ensure smooth project execution and minimizing potential financial losses for clients and workers alike.