What concept influenced the US form of government?
writings of Montesquieu
What did he write?
The Spirit of the Law
What was the concept that he recommended?
Separation of powers
How many separate powers did he recommend?
three
What are the three powers in the US government?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
What is hoped to be gained by keeping them separate?
prevent abuse of power
What kind of a system will accomplish that?
system of checks and balances
Who agreed with such systems?
philosophers such as John Locke
How do we know that?
advocated the principle in their writings
Was there any opposition?
yes
Who might that be?
Thomas Hobbes strongly opposed it
Montesquieu influenced who?
the framers of the United States Constitution.
And what are we talking about?
Separation of powers
The three branches are found where?
United States Constitution
When did John Locke live?
During the Age of Enlightenment