Montesquieu (1689 – 1755) was a French political philosopher best known for developing the theory of separation of powers, which influenced modern democratic governments, including the U.S. Constitution. His work The Spirit of Laws (1748) remains one of the most important political treatises of the Enlightenment.
Born into a noble family, Montesquieu studied law and inherited a judicial position in the Bordeaux Parliament. His early work, Persian Letters (1721), satirized French society and established his reputation. Traveling across Europe, he studied various political systems, shaping his ideas on government and liberty.
In The Spirit of Laws, he argued that political power should be divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny. His writings were widely read in Europe and North America, influencing figures like James Madison and Catherine the Great. However, the Catholic Church condemned his book in 1751.
Montesquieu’s legacy lies in his contributions to political thought, particularly the idea that power must be checked and balanced. His principles continue to shape constitutional democracies worldwide.