Real-World Examples of Montesquieu’s Separation of Powers
• United States Constitution – The U.S. government is structured into three distinct branches: the legislative (Congress), the executive (President), and the judicial (Supreme Court). Each branch has specific powers and checks over the others, illustrating Montesquieu’s idea in practice.
• India’s Republic – India’s constitution outlines a clear division of powers among the Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary. This separation helps maintain balance and prevents the concentration of power.
• French Government – Although modified over time, French governance, particularly during the Third Republic, embodied Montesquieu’s principle by dividing governmental responsibilities among various institutions, ensuring a system of checks and balances.