The Age of Enlightenment emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority in governance. Thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau championed ideas of social contracts, the separation of powers, and natural rights. This philosophical movement laid the groundwork for modern democracy by advocating for government based on consent of the governed and the protection of individual rights. Enlightenment ideas influenced revolutions, including the American and French revolutions, encouraging people to challenge monarchies and seek democratic principles, thereby reshaping political landscapes worldwide.