Question

Montesquieu was an influence on the founding fathers of our country. What  idea did he contribute to the Enlightenment? Where in the founding documents of  the United States do we see each of those ideas demonstrated?(4 points)

Make it short

Answer 1

Montesquieu contributed the idea of the separation of powers to the Enlightenment, arguing for a division of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, to prevent any single entity from gaining too much power.

In the United States, this concept is embodied in the Constitution:

1. Legislative Branch: Article I of the Constitution establishes Congress, which is responsible for making laws.
2. Executive Branch: Article II sets up the Presidency, which enforces the laws.
3. Judicial Branch: Article III creates the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts, which interpret the laws.

By assigning different roles to each branch and instituting checks and balances, the founding fathers integrated Montesquieu's idea to help ensure a balanced government that would protect against tyranny.