The Enlightenment philosophy significantly shaped modern concepts of governance and individual rights through its emphasis on reason, liberty, and the social contract. Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu introduced ideas advocating for democratic principles, separation of powers, and individual freedoms that influenced various political revolutions, including the American and French Revolutions. Their writings promoted the notion that governments derive authority from the consent of the governed and that individuals have inherent rights that must be protected. This legacy continues to underpin contemporary democratic societies and human rights discourses.