In the 17th and 18th centuries, philosophers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire had a big impact on political thinking in Europe and beyond. Locke believed in natural rights like liberty and property, and that it was the government's job to protect these rights. He also believed that people had the right to disagree with the government and even overthrow it if it violated their rights. Locke's ideas influenced the American Revolution and other rebellions in Latin America.
Montesquieu believed in dividing political power among different branches of government, which influenced the United States Constitution. He believed that Rome's downfall came from losing its citizens' civic virtue as it became more wealthy and complacent.
Voltaire, writing under a pen name, was famous all over Europe and wrote about government, religion, and philosophy. He agreed with Hobbes that human nature could be bad, but also agreed with Locke that people have natural rights that should be protected. Voltaire admired England's government, particularly its religious freedom and free trade.
Overall, these philosophers helped shape how people think about government and rights to this day.