Enlightenment thinkers challenged political authority by advocating for individual rights, freedom of thought and expression, and limited government power. They argued that rulers should govern based on the consent of the governed and that people have the right to hold their leaders accountable. They also promoted the idea of separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent abuse of power by those in authority. Overall, Enlightenment thinkers sought to empower individuals and limit the power of authoritarian rulers.
