The Roman Republic inspired the Enlightenment philosopher to base his political theory on the separation of powers and on checks and balances?

Answer 1

The Roman Republic served as a foundational example for Enlightenment philosophers like Montesquieu, who emphasized the importance of separating governmental powers to prevent tyranny. He argued that dividing authority among different branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—would create a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single entity could dominate. This concept aimed to safeguard individual liberties and promote a more equitable government, echoing the principles seen in Roman governance. Ultimately, the Roman model influenced modern democratic systems by highlighting the necessity of institutional safeguards against abuse of power.