The Enlightenment influenced early U.S. government by promoting the social contract, which emphasized that governing authority comes from the consent of the governed. This led to a system with democratic representation and checks and balances, rather than authoritarian rule. Thus, the principles of Enlightenment thinkers laid the foundation for a government that valued individual rights and local governance within a unified national structure.
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The Enlightenment influenced early US government by introducing ideas like the social contract, which emphasized the legitimacy of government based on the consent of the governed. This led to the establishment of a democratic government with checks and balances rather than authoritarian control. Ultimately, the principles of Enlightenment thinkers helped form a representative government that respects individual rights and local governance. ;