Which enlightenment philosopher expressed the most democratic ideas?

Answer 1

Jacques Rousseau believed in a Direct Democracy. A Direct Democracy means that government decisions are made locally and follows the idea that during an election, majority rules (like how in America we vote for the President as a State and the majority of the votes is who the State then votes for). He said that it ensured stability and security in the government. He also believed that people were born good, independent and compassionate and, without laws people would live happily.

Answer 2

john Locke was the first philosopher that put forth democratic ideas. The words life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness from the Declaration of Independence are actually taken from his words (life, liberty and property)

Answer 3

in ancient Greece all free men were citizens , women and slaves were excluded. The law of double descent applied - you had to have an Athenian mother and father to be a citizen; foreigners were definitely excluded. Citizens would take part in the Democratic process. Of 30,000 citizens in the 5th century perhaps 5,000might regularly attend one or more meetings of the popular Assembly of which were at least 40 per year in Aristotle's day.

6,000 citizens were selected to fill the annual panel of potential jurymen who staff the popular jury courts, a jury usually was a typical size of 501. Participation's direct and in your face, there were no representatives. Decisions were taken in meetings and posts filled by rotation e.g. judges with officials and jurymen selected by drawing lots, this was seen as more democratic than elections which would favour the rich, famous and powerful. Unpopular politicians were ostracised or sent away for 10 years.

Hope this was helpful.