Question

According to Montesquieu, the primary reason for the separation of powers is which of the following? Select one: A. government power is not too heavily concentrated in one branch or individual B. government can operate as efficiently as possible C. to allow certain government officials to specialize in a particular role D. a capricious public cannot frequently change laws

Answer 1

Montesquieu (1689-1755) argued laws were a result of historical and political contexts. In being so they were submitted to the human imperfections, making it necessary to actively pursuit some kind of equilibrium or balance when framing them. One way of doing that was creating a separation of powers where they would mutually prevent each other from abuses (A).  

According to Montesquieu, separation of powers between Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary would create a scenario where none of them had enough space to expand in an authoritarian manner. He believed every man with power would want to abuse it, so power should be distributed (in a government) in a system where power could stop power. This idea is heavily present in the US Constitution through checks and balances system.