Question

Why did Montesquieu advocate the separation of powers?

to stop political parties from gaining too much power
to ensure power divisions along party lines
to eliminate conflict between branches of government
to limit the power of any single group or person

Answer 1

to limit the power of any single group or person

Montesquieu argued that dividing government into separate branches with distinct powers and checks on each other prevents tyranny and protects political liberty by ensuring no one person or group can gain absolute control.