The constitutional doctrine, developed by Montesquieu, that political liberty requires dividing governmental power among separate institutions (legislative, executive, judicial) so each can check the others.
Against concentrated power: Montesquieu's observation of the English constitution (somewhat idealized) — power is divided; tyranny arises when it is concentrated. Three branches: legislative (makes law), executive (implements law), judicial (interprets law). Checks and balances: each branch has tools to limit the others. The American Founders — particularly Madison — adopted and extended the principle. The Federalist No. 51: 'Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.' One of the foundational principles of liberal constitutionalism.
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