Montesquieu
The Frenchman is to Democracy what Armstrong is to Jazz
Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (or just Montesquieu), is known as one of the most influential Enlightenment Republicans. Montesquieu was born in France in 1689 and became a French philosopher and political theorist. Montesquieu was influenced by the Enlightenment, leading him to be interested in political philosophy and sociology. His book "The Spirit of Laws" pioneered aspects of political theory and introduced ideas reflected within American society today.
Influences
Greek Philosophers - Aristotle and Plato proved to be influential through the works of Montesquieu. He believed that Plato's outlook on the common good and civic virtue were important within society. Some believe that Aristotle's idealistic view of a "mixed constitution" influenced Montesquieu's idea of the separation of powers.
English Political System - Montesquieu admired the system he saw in England at the time, which later influenced the separation of powers. He saw the King as the executive balanced by the law-making parliament, divided into the House of Lords and the House of Commons, with an independent court system (judicial branch).
Rationalism/Empiricism - Montesquieu was inspired by both of these ideas but did not necessarily subject himself to one specifically. He was known for applying rationalist views through his work in "The Spirit of Laws." He incorporated empiricist elements into his work, observing how geography and climates affected the development of social and political characteristics.
Main Works
"The Persian Letters" (1721) - A novel comprising letters offering commentary involving society, politics, and religion. Although it is humorous at many points (while later turning dark), its ideas introduce the question of whether self-knowledge and virtue are attainable within society.
"The Spirit of Laws" (1748) - Known as the most influential of his work, outlining the separation of powers, the nature of government, and the importance of social order. He analyzes republic, monarchic, and despotic governmental structures, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and conditions for society
Key Concepts
Separation of Powers - The idea that the government should be split into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The splitting of the branches would protect individual liberties, serve as a checks and balances system, and assist in preventing tyranny.
Political Liberty - The idea that individuals had a natural right to participate in the political process, express their opinions, and enjoy certain rights under the law.
Rule of Law - The idea that the government is bound to protect the laws and enforce them equally to everyone. This is in place to help prevent a monarchy or bias towards people who are in power. This was later expanded upon in the Federalist Papers.
Final Details
Montesquieu's ideas have proven to be highly influential within the structure of the United States government. The Founding Fathers directly shaped the Constitution through the work of Federalists and Anti-Federalists, who cited the work of Montesquieu.