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The Reformation furthered these ideas, especially among Protestant groups. While medieval Catholic thought emphasized the divine justification of authority, Protestants placed even greater emphasis on legitimate political rule by consent and individual rights. They reinforced the belief that political authority derived from the governed, not solely from divine decree.
This period, particularly among Puritans, underscored the importance of elections and congregational autonomy, interpreting biblical texts to support the idea that governments must have the consent of their subjects to be legitimate. These ideas deeply influenced political theories regarding individual rights and the role of consent, which became foundational for modern liberal democracy.