What led to popular sovereignty in the 18th century?

Popular sovereignty in the 18th century emerged from Enlightenment ideas that emphasized individual rights and the social contract, where government legitimacy derives from the consent of the governed. Influential thinkers like john Locke argued that political power should be based on the will of the people, challenging the divine right of kings. The American and French Revolutions further galvanized these principles by advocating for democratic governance and the rights of citizens, leading to a broader acceptance of the idea that authority should originate from the populace. This shift laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems.