what contributions to government came from the age of Enlightenment?

Answer 1

The question is really too big to be given justice in such a forum as this but think about it this way.

The Enlightenment was the (re)discovery of the age of reason. Therefore logic and analysis were applied to the existing social structures. Philosophers and authors like Descartes and Voltaire asserted the rights of the individual verses both church and state. The rule of the people via parliament as opposed to the rule of monarchs was achieved at various times in various countries (ie. English Civil War, American Independence and the French Revolution). In economics authors like Adam Smith and later Marx laid down guidelines as to why certain things worked, and why other things don't. Locke and Burke (amongst others) defined the role of the state and the authors of the Virginian Declaration of Rights set down another version.

There were many, many others. If you have been set this as an introductory essay, I guess your tutor wants to know the extent of your knowledge.

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