BARON DE MONTESQUIEU
1669 -1755
While John Locke would have a great influence over the minds
constructing the Declaration of Independence, Montesquieu would shape
the thinking of those writing the Constitution. Two features stand out
above all the others: the separation of powers (the distribution of power
among several branches of government) and of functions of governing.
• Read Chapter & Baron
De Montesquieu and
Republican Government.
• The Laws of Nature:
the first and foremost of the natural laws leads us to
...
• Define the three "Forms of Government" as presented by Montesquieu
Republican
Monarchical
Despotic
• Explain the relationship of VIRTUE to each form of government.
Why is VIRTUE foundational for a Republican form of government?
• What are the circumstances
which lead to a despotic
• According to
Montesquieu which type of
government would naturally
flow from the teachings of
Plato, More, Hobbes and
Machiavelli?
government?
• Which type of government
did Montesquieu prefer?
• He says that the natural tendency within any society is toward
tyranny. What does he suggest a s the only sure safe guard?
How does he suggest the powers of government be divided?
• Explain to a friend the precautions Montesquieu gave to legislators,
which, he believed if ignored could "gradually lead to despotism"
• How would Montesquieu
be Influential in shaping
the United S t a t e s
Constitution?