What did the enlightenment philosophers believe that the power of government is derived from?

Enlightenment philosophers believed that the power of government is derived from the consent of the governed. They argued that legitimate authority comes from the people's agreement to form a society and abide by its laws, emphasizing individual rights and the social contract. This shift away from divine right and monarchy laid the groundwork for modern democratic theories. Ultimately, they championed reason, equality, and the protection of natural rights as the foundation of political legitimacy.