Final answer:
John Locke believed in natural rights to life, liberty, and property, arguing that the government's duty is to protect these rights through a social contract, and if it fails, citizens have the right to revolt. His views on government by consent and the protection of rights influenced modern democratic principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
English philosopher John Locke contributed significantly to Enlightenment thought, particularly with his theory on natural rights. According to Locke, individuals inherently possess rights to life, liberty, and property. In his seminal Second Treatise of Government, Locke articulates the idea that people are born free and equal and that the existence and legitimacy of government on the consent of the governed. The primary role of a government, therefore, is to safeguard these natural rights through a social contract. Moreover, Locke's philosophy implies that if a government fails to protect these rights, the people have the justification to overthrow it and institute a new governance structure that will ensure the protection of their inalienable rights.
Locke's theory influenced the development of modern democratic principles, particularly the concept that the protection of natural rights is the government's core duty. His philosophical works underline that a legitimate government must not only be established with the consent of the people it governs but must also continuously work to protect their natural rights. This foundation for governance went on to profoundly influence the formation of constitutions and political theories in Western democracies.