Answer :
Final answer:
The Enlightenment was a European intellectual movement in the 18th century, emphasizing reason and scientific thought, which laid the foundations for democratic principles.
Explanation:
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, did not begin in the United States; rather, it was a European intellectual movement of the 18th century that emphasized the power of reason and scientific thought over tradition and religious authority.
The thinkers of the Enlightenment challenged the established order by promoting ideals such as liberty, progress, and equality, which laid the groundwork for democratic principles of government.
Although the Enlightenment significantly influenced the United States, especially during the revolutionary period, it was not specifically a response to criminal justice issues but rather a broad intellectual revolution that led to various reforms, including those within criminal justice.
Enlightenment ideals about the organization and functioning of governments played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, influencing fundamental documents such as the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
Ultimately, the Enlightenment's focus on reason and empirical evidence led to an environment ripe for political change and the questioning of traditional laws and political systems. This shift in thought contributed profoundly to the democratic landscape of the modern world, emphasizing the rule of law and the principles of liberty and equality before the law.