According to Enlightenment thinkers, where does the authority of government come from?

Enlightenment thinkers emphasized the concept that the authority of government derives from natural law and the consent of the governed. This marks a significant shift from earlier ideas, such as the divine right of kings, where rulers claimed authority by virtue of their supposed divine connection. Instead, Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that legitimate government arises from a social contract, where individuals agree to form a society and accept certain governance in exchange for protection of their rights and freedoms.

The idea of natural law also plays a crucial role, as it suggests that there are inherent rights and moral principles that govern human behavior, and governments should reflect and protect those rights. This notion asserts that authority is not predetermined by birth or tradition but is earned through the active agreement of the people, highlighting the importance of democracy and personal liberties. By advocating for this understanding of government authority, Enlightenment thinkers laid the foundation for modern democratic principles and the notion that political power should be derived from the will of the people.