Montesquieu

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/montesquieu

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Montesquieu born?January 18, 1689
2. Where was Montesquieu born?Château de la Brède, Aquitaine, France
3. What is Montesquieu known for?The theory of separation of powers, influencing constitutionalism
4. What is the major work?The Spirit of Laws (De l'esprit des lois), 1748
5. What is the career?Judge, political philosopher, historian, writer
6. What is the separation of powers?Montesquieu said a government should be split into three parts: one that makes laws, one that carries them out, and one that judges them. Each part checks the others to keep power balanced.

Separation of Powers: A governmental structure that divides state power among distinct legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Checks and Balances: A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.
Constitutionalism: The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law.
Despotism: A form of arbitrary rule by a single ruler with absolute power, often characterized by oppression.