In what way did the Enlightenment influence political thought in the 18th century?

The Enlightenment significantly influenced political thought in the 18th century by establishing the idea of checks and balances. Thinkers such as Montesquieu contributed to the understanding that power should not be concentrated in a single individual or institution, but rather distributed among different branches of government to prevent tyranny. This concept aimed to create a system where each branch would have the ability to limit the powers of the others, ensuring a more balanced and fair governance.

In this context, the Enlightenment underscored the importance of rational thought, debate, and the protection of individual rights, which contrasted starkly with absolute monarchy. The promotion of checks and balances became a cornerstone of modern democratic frameworks, influencing the development of constitutions and governance structures in various countries, notably the U.S. Constitution, which integrated these principles to safeguard against the abuse of power.