Which enlightenment philosopher influenced the U.S. Constitution by advocating for separation of powers?

The influence of Montesquieu on the U.S. Constitution primarily stems from his advocacy for the separation of powers, a principle he articulated in his work "The Spirit of the Laws." Montesquieu argued that the best way to prevent tyranny and protect political liberty was to divide government authority into distinct branches, each with its own powers and responsibilities: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This separation is crucial because it ensures that no single branch can dominate the others, providing a system of checks and balances that is foundational to the structure of the U.S. government as established by the Constitution.

While other Enlightenment philosophers contributed significantly to ideas about government and individual rights, their focus was different. For instance, John Locke emphasized the importance of natural rights and the social contract, which influenced the principles of democracy and individual liberties in the Constitution. Jean-Jacques Rousseau focused on the concept of the general will and popular sovereignty, discussing how government should reflect the desires of the people. Thomas Hobbes, in contrast, approached government primarily from the perspective of authority and order, emphasizing a strong, central authority to prevent chaos. Although their ideas collectively shaped modern democracy, it was Montesquieu's specific proposal for a separation of powers that directly informed the