Which three branches of government did Montesquieu propose?

Montesquieu, a prominent philosopher during the Enlightenment, advocated for the separation of powers as a fundamental principle to prevent tyranny and protect individual freedoms. He proposed that government should be divided into three distinct branches: the judicial, legislative, and executive.

The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice, ensuring that legal proceedings are fair and uphold individual rights. The legislative branch is tasked with creating laws that reflect the will of the people, serving as a check on the power of the other branches. Lastly, the executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws and managing the operations of the government. By structuring government in this way, Montesquieu aimed to create a system of checks and balances where each branch could limit the powers of the others, thereby safeguarding against the concentration of power and potential abuse.

This tripartite system laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance and influenced many political systems around the world, particularly in the formation of the United States government.