Montesquieu's theory of the separation of powers had an enormous impact on American political theory and on the framers of the Constitution of the United States of America.
Essential Facts
Was born in France
Was a social commentator and political thinker during the Enlightenment
Articulated the theory of the separation of powers
Divided French society into three classes through his works: the monarchy, the aristocracy, and the commons
Wrote the Spirit of the Laws, a treatise on political theory that influenced American Society
