John Locke's contributions to political theory are significant due to his foundational ideas about government and individual rights. His work, particularly "Two Treatises of Government," argues for the concept of natural rights, asserting that individuals possess rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke's belief in the necessity of a social contract influenced democratic thought and governance. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern notions of liberal democracy and have inspired pivotal documents like the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Locke’s philosophy emphasizes tolerance and the importance of consent in political authority.