Which philosopher is associated with the idea of separation of powers?

• A. Plato
• B. Aristotle
• C. Locke
• D. Montesquieu

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is separating government powers into distinct branches so no single part can dominate, with each branch able to check the others. Montesquieu is the philosopher most associated with this concept. In The Spirit of the Laws, he argued that government should be divided into legislative, executive, and judicial functions, with each branch operating independently and with ways to limit the others’ power. This separation and the system of checks and balances he described aim to protect liberty and prevent tyranny.

Plato and Aristotle looked at governance in terms of types of rule and virtue, not a formal, modern division of powers with independent branches. Locke focused on limited government and rights, emphasizing consent and restraints on authority, but the explicit tripartite structure with mutual checks is Montesquieu’s contribution.