What is Montesquieu's theory of the separation of powers?
My central theory posits that the liberty of the subject depends on the separation of powers within government. When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person or body, there can be no liberty, as the monarch or senate might enact tyrannical laws and execute them in a tyrannical manner. Likewise, if the power of judging is not separated from the legislative and executive, life and liberty would be exposed to arbitrary control.
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