The impact of the Enlightenment on political thought and governance was profound, emphasizing reason, individual rights, and democratic principles. Philosophers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu challenged traditional authority and advocated for separation of powers, social contracts, and the belief in natural rights. These ideas influenced revolutionary movements, notably the American and French Revolutions, as people demanded representation and equality. The Enlightenment played a crucial role in shaping modern political ideologies by promoting secular governance and the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. This transformation fundamentally changed how societies viewed authority and individual liberties.