Several Enlightenment thinkers advocated for the idea that people should have a say in the development of laws and governance. Key figures include:
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John Locke: He argued that government should be based on the consent of the governed and that individuals have natural rights that must be protected. Locke's ideas about social contracts laid the groundwork for democratic principles.
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Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau emphasized the concept of the "general will" and believed that legitimate political authority comes from the collective agreement of the people. In his work "The Social Contract," he argued that sovereignty resides with the people, and they should have a direct role in law-making.
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Montesquieu: While primarily known for his theory of the separation of powers, Montesquieu also advocated for laws that reflect the will of the people and emphasized the importance of civic involvement in governance.
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Thomas Hobbes (to a lesser extent): While Hobbes is often associated with absolute monarchy and the idea of a strong sovereign, he recognized the importance of social contracts, which imply some measure of agreement among people about governance.
These thinkers contributed to the development of democratic ideas and influenced the later formation of democratic societies where citizens have a voice in their laws and government.