What political theory did Montesquieu advocate?

Montesquieu is best known for his advocacy of the separation of powers within government, a theory he articulated in his influential work "The Spirit of the Laws." He argued that political power should not be concentrated in a single entity but should be divided among different branches of government—namely, the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. This division is intended to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power and to ensure a system of checks and balances, where each branch can monitor and limit the actions of the others.

This idea was groundbreaking because it provided a framework to protect individual liberties and prevent tyranny. Montesquieu believed that this separation would foster a more just and fair government, as it would require collaboration and consensus among the different branches. His theories greatly influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution and many other democratic governments worldwide, forming a foundational principle of modern governance.

Other choices focus on concepts that do not align with Montesquieu's views; for instance, advocating for the concentration of power contradicts his belief in balanced governance. The establishment of a monarchy also runs counter to his ideas, as he recognized the dangers of absolute power. Lastly, the abolition of government is a completely different philosophical stance, typically associated with