In medieval Europe, feudalism became the dominant form of governance. Local lords and nobles held power over land and peasants, while kings theoretically held supreme authority. This system was characterized by a hierarchical structure of power and limited central government. The Enlightenment period in the 17th and 18th centuries was a turning point in political governance. Philosophers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau laid the groundwork for modern democratic ideals, emphasizing human rights, the separation of powers, and the concept of the social contract. These ideas influenced the creation of modern democratic constitutions, such as the U.S. Constitution.
