The political philosophy that influenced the development of American democracy was liberalism, particularly as it evolved during the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu emphasized individual rights, the social contract, and the separation of powers in government. Their ideas about natural rights laid the groundwork for the American Revolution and were integral to founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. American democracy was shaped by a commitment to liberty, equality, and the protection of individual freedoms, which reflected the core tenets of liberal thought during this transformative period.