IN 3 SENTENCES

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?

Montesquieu contributed the idea of separation of powers to the Enlightenment, which emphasizes the division of government into distinct branches to prevent tyranny. This concept is demonstrated in the United States Constitution, particularly in the establishment of three separate branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. Additionally, the concept of checks and balances, inspired by Montesquieu, can be seen in the Constitution, where each branch is given certain powers to limit the actions of the others.