Which English philosopher's ideas on natural rights and government by consent influenced democratic thought?

John Locke is a pivotal figure in the development of democratic thought, particularly through his concepts of natural rights and government by consent. Locke argued that all individuals are entitled to certain inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and property. These rights are not granted by the government but are natural and exist independent of governmental authority. This idea laid the groundwork for later democratic theories, emphasizing individual rights and the importance of protecting them.

Furthermore, Locke advocated for the notion of government by consent, asserting that legitimate government requires the approval of the governed. This idea is fundamental to democracy, as it underscores the principle that a government’s authority derives from the will of the people. If a government fails to protect the natural rights of its citizens, Locke argued that the people not only have the right but also the duty to rebel and establish a new government that would better safeguard their rights.

These revolutionary ideas greatly influenced Enlightenment thinkers and the development of democratic systems, especially in the context of the American and French revolutions, where principles of individual rights and popular sovereignty became cornerstone concepts.