What was one of the central ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers concerning governance?

One of the central ideas of Enlightenment thinkers concerning governance was that government should reflect the will of the people. This notion emerged as a response to absolute monarchies and oppressive regimes that disregarded the opinions and needs of the populace. Enlightenment philosophers, such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, advocated for the idea of social contracts and the importance of consent in political governance. They argued that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and should be accountable to the people they serve. This emphasis on popular sovereignty influenced many democratic movements and the development of constitutional governments that prioritize individual rights and public participation in decision-making.