Question

Which feature of government does Montesquieu argue for in his book De l’Esprit des Lois (Spirit of Laws)?

Answer 1

The feature of government does Montesquieu argue for in hisThe Spirit of Laws was its advocacy for political liberty through separation of powers. Montesquieu claimed that the executive power, which is in charge with enforcing laws, legislative which make laws, and judicial in charge with interpreting laws should be divided between three separate branches of government. This system of the separation of powers, he argued, assured that no one branch of government could overpower another, giving way to the well known checks and balances. Because each branch has its own powers and functions, each branch is therefore limited in its power and can check, or monitor, the other branches.

Montesquieu pointed out that the best political system relied on the unique social and political condition of that country.