Which French philosopher advocated for democracy and the separation of powers?

Which French philosopher advocated for democracy and the separation of powers?

• A. Montesquieu
• B. Rousseau
• C. Voltaire
• D. Descartes

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how to structure government to prevent tyranny by dividing power. Montesquieu argued that government power should be split into separate branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each checking the others. This separation of powers creates accountability and guards liberty, so no single part of government can dominate. His framework of checks and balances influenced many modern constitutions, including the way many democracies organize their governments. While Rousseau is known for the idea of sovereignty of the people and direct democracy, and Voltaire for defending civil liberties, and Descartes for his focus on reason, none of them articulate the explicit separation of powers as a governing principle the way Montesquieu does.

The idea being tested is how to structure government to prevent tyranny by dividing power. Montesquieu argued that government power should be split into separate branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each checking the others. This separation of powers creates accountability and guards liberty, so no single part of government can dominate. His framework of checks and balances influenced many modern constitutions, including the way many democracies organize their governments. While Rousseau is known for the idea of sovereignty of the people and direct democracy, and Voltaire for defending civil liberties, and Descartes for his focus on reason, none of them articulate the explicit separation of powers as a governing principle the way Montesquieu does.