Question
Summary and Reflection Directions: Summarize the maIn-idoas of this losson by answering the question bolow. Identify the key Enlightenment Ideas that Influenced the development of our governmental institutions and explaln their Influence.
Answer
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Rhian
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The Enlightenment period brought forth key ideas that profoundly shaped the development of governmental institutions:1. **Individual Rights**: Enlightenment thinkers emphasized the importance of individual rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. These ideas influenced the establishment of democratic principles and the protection of individual liberties in governmental institutions.2. **Social Contract Theory**: Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau proposed the concept of the social contract, where individuals willingly give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and security from the government. This idea laid the groundwork for the relationship between citizens and their government, emphasizing mutual obligations and responsibilities.3. **Separation of Powers**: Enlightenment philosopher Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers within government to prevent tyranny and ensure checks and balances. His ideas greatly influenced the structure of modern democratic governments, leading to the division of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.4. **Popular Sovereignty**: Enlightenment thinkers challenged the divine right of kings and asserted that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. This principle of popular sovereignty influenced the establishment of democratic systems where the authority of the government ultimately rests with the people.Overall, these Enlightenment ideas catalyzed significant changes in governmental institutions, leading to the rise of democratic principles, protection of individual rights, and the establishment of systems of governance based on the consent of the governed.