The impact of the Enlightenment on modern political rights and liberties was substantial. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu, emphasized concepts like natural rights, social contracts, and the separation of powers. These ideas laid the philosophical groundwork for modern democracies, influencing key historical documents like the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Enlightenment principles encouraged individuals to pursue liberty and equality, establishing a framework for political rights that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about human rights and governance worldwide.