The Renaissance was a period of great cultural, political, and social transformation in Europe, lasting from the 14th to the 17th century. During this time, there was a renewed interest in the study of classical texts by authors such as Plato and Cicero. This period of intellectual curiosity led to the development of Humanist ideas, which focused on the individual’s potential for growth and development. These ideas had a profound impact on politics and government, and they began to be applied to these areas in the form of newfound freedoms and liberties.
The most immediate result of this was increased liberties of speech and expression. Whereas prior to the Renaissance, most monarchs had wielded absolute power, during this period, people began to challenge these powers. They argued that individuals had the right to think and speak freely without interference from the government. This led to the creation of more open societies where people could openly discuss topics of politics and government without fear of retribution.
The application of Humanist ideas also meant a greater emphasis on individual rights. People began to demand more rights, such as the right to have a voice in the government and the right to challenge laws that they felt were unjust. This led to the development of more representative and accountable governments, especially in the form of increasing representation in the legislative bodies of different countries.
As Humanist ideas began to be applied to government, people began to think more critically about how they could shape their societies. This resulted in more progressive ideas about social reform and justice. People started to demand more fair and equitable treatment, in both public and private life. This led to the development of new systems of government, where people had more rights, liberties, and freedoms than ever before.
The Renaissance was a period of tremendous advances in the way that people viewed government and society. Applying Humanist ideas to government meant increased individual rights and freedoms, as well as increased representation and accountability in government. These changes marked the beginning of a more modern concept of democracy, which would eventually become the norm in many countries today.