The Enlightenment significantly influenced modern democracies by championing ideas such as individual rights, reason, and the social contract. Thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers and representative government, concepts that became foundational for democratic systems. The emphasis on empathy, equality, and civic duty during this period helped inspire revolutions and reforms, underpinning constitutions and human rights declarations across the globe. Enlightenment ideals encourage active civic participation and accountability in governance, fostering the development of liberal democracies characterized by individual freedoms and checks on authority.