Which Enlightenment idea influenced modern democracy?

The concept of natural rights proposed by John Locke is fundamental to the development of modern democracy. Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which governments must protect. This philosophy laid the groundwork for democratic systems that prioritize individual rights and freedoms. The idea of natural rights asserts that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed, emphasizing the importance of individual agency and the need for governmental accountability to the people.

In modern democracies, these principles manifest in various forms, such as constitutional rights and legal protections that safeguard citizens' freedoms. The belief that government should exist to serve and protect its citizens aligns closely with democratic ideals, where the role of the state is not only to govern but to ensure the well-being and rights of its populace.