Montesquieu, 1689 - 1755

“When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner.”

Spirit of the Laws

Featured Video

Paul Rahe lectures on Montesquieu’s doctrine of the separation of powers.