Which principle is associated with the idea that a government should protect citizens' natural rights?

The principle associated with the idea that a government should protect citizens' natural rights is rooted in Lockean philosophy. John Locke, an influential 17th-century philosopher, posited that individuals possess inherent natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property, which the government is obligated to safeguard. According to Locke, the legitimacy of a government derives from its ability to protect these rights. If a government fails in this duty, citizens have the right to revolt and seek a new government that will fulfill this role. This concept laid the groundwork for democratic governance and has significantly influenced modern political thought, underscoring the importance of individual rights in relation to governmental authority.