John Locke advanced several political philosophies, most notably the concepts of natural rights and government by consent. His belief that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property laid the groundwork for modern democracy. Locke argued that governments are established through the social contract to protect these rights, asserting that any government failing to do so could be justifiably overthrown. His ideas significantly influenced Enlightenment thought and the development of liberalism, shaping political ideologies in both America and Europe. Locke's emphasis on reason and individual rights continues to be foundational in contemporary political discourse.