Final answer:
The Renaissance embraced ideas from classical philosophy, applying them to governance through an emphasis on individual rights, republicanism, and civic duty. Classical republicanism influenced notions of mixed governance and the rejection of the divine right of kings, with Enlightenment philosophers elaborating on these ideas and laying the groundwork for modern democratic principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Renaissance period saw the application of classical philosophy to the governance system, particularly through notions derived from humanism and civic republicanism. Ideas of classical republicanism, which had roots in the works of ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Cicero, were particularly impactful. This concept was centered around civic virtue, civil society, and mixed governance and informed the Renaissance view on the role of individuals and elected officials in government.
During the Renaissance, there was significant emphasis on individual rights and republicanism, reflecting a shift towards democratic ideals, which contrasted sharply with the previously dominant theory of the divine right of kings. Inspired by the classical texts, thinkers started questioning the monarch’s divine right to rule. Philosophers like John Locke put forward the connection between natural rights and government, prompting thoughts that would later contribute to constitutional monarchies or republican forms of government.
Enlightenment philosophers further built on these foundations, leading to a significant evolution in political thought. Figures such as Rousseau and Montesquieu challenged the traditional monarchical rule and introduced concepts that would become central to the modern understanding of democracy, shaping the political landscape in Europe and the Americas.