What key principle motivated Enlightenment thinkers regarding government?

The key principle that motivated Enlightenment thinkers regarding government was the emphasis on reason and rational thought in governance. Enlightenment philosophers, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu, advocated for the use of reason as the foundation for understanding human society and improving governmental systems. They believed that rational thought could help individuals and societies identify rights, develop just laws, and organize government based on the principles of equality and liberty.

This movement marked a significant shift away from traditional, authoritarian forms of governance that relied on monarchical power or divine right. Enlightenment thinkers challenged the notion that governments derived their authority from tradition or religious doctrines, emphasizing instead the importance of human capacity for reason and critical thinking in shaping policies and political structures. Their work laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles, such as the rule of law, separation of powers, and individual rights, which continue to influence political thought today.