The overall impact of the Enlightenment on the development of modern democratic societies was profound. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, emphasized the concepts of individual rights, liberty, and social contracts between governments and citizens. Their ideas inspired revolutions and the formation of democracies worldwide, leading to greater accountability of governments, the establishment of constitutional frameworks, and a focus on human rights. The Enlightenment's influence continues to shape contemporary political thought and democratic principles.