The role of the Enlightenment in the development of American democracy was profound, as Enlightenment thinkers promoted ideals like reason, individual rights, and self-governance. Influential philosophers such as John Locke and Montesquieu emphasized the separation of powers and the consent of the governed, shaping American political ideology. These principles were foundational in drafting critical documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing democracy's values and the importance of civil liberties.