Western Governors University (WGU) HUMN1010 C100 Introduction To Humanities Practice Exam

During the Enlightenment period, democracy emerged as a significant political philosophy, gaining momentum from the ideas put forth by Enlightenment thinkers. This era, which spanned the late 17th to the 18th century, emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, challenging the established norms of governance that often favored absolute monarchies or feudal systems. Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for concepts such as the social contract and popular sovereignty, which laid the groundwork for democratic ideals. They argued that government should derive its authority from the consent of the governed and that individuals possess inherent rights that must be respected. This thinking directly influenced various revolutionary movements, ultimately leading to the establishment of democratic governments that prioritized the rights and voices of citizens. The other options do not capture the essence of the political transformation during the Enlightenment. Feudalism, which revolved around a hierarchical system of land ownership and loyalty, was declining during this period. Meritocracy, though it emphasizes individual achievement, did not fully materialize as a political philosophy until later. Monarchy remained a dominant form of governance, but the Enlightenment thinkers directly challenged its absolute form, paving the way for a more democratic approach to governance.