The Enlightenment significantly influenced political thought by promoting ideas of individual liberty, equality, and the social contract. Philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu questioned traditional authority and advocated for democratic ideals, separation of powers, and the notion that government should be based on the consent of the governed. These ideas fueled movements for political reform and revolutions across Europe and the Americas. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic institutions, emphasizing reason, science, and human rights. Its legacy is evident in the founding documents of various nations, including the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in France.