The idea that the government powers be divided into different branches came from the French political philosopher Baron Montesquieu. Montesquieu's book, The Spirit of the Laws, written in 1748, greatly influenced many of the ideas for the Constitution. Montesquieu believed that a republic, or a government ruled by an elected leader, was the best form of government. However, he believed that having a successful republic depended on maintaining a right balance of power. According to Montesquieu, each branch of government could limit the power of the other two branches. Therefore, the freedom of the people would not be threatened by a certain branch. The idea of Separation of Powers has shaped and held our country together for many years. Because of the Separation of Powers, America to this day does have a strong central government, without the concentration of power in one group. .
Like Montesquieu, John Locke, an English philosopher, also believed that the best form of government is a democracy with the power divided among three branches. Locke believed that the reason people form governments is to protect there "natural rights," these being life, liberty, and property. This idea is also found in the Declaration of Independence. He believed there is a social contract between the government and those being governed that if the governed pay taxes, follow reasonable laws, and are loyal to their government, than the government in turn most protect their "natural rights." Unlike many people of the time, Locke did not believe that God had chosen a group or family of people to rule countries. He rejected this idea of "Divine Right," in which many kings and queens used to justify their right to rule. Instead, he argued that governments should only operate with the consent of the people they are governing. Locke wrote, "[We have learned from] history we have reason to conclude that all peaceful beginnings of government have been laid in the consent of the people.
