Montesquieu philosophy for kids

This page is about the French philosopher. For other uses, see Montesquieu (disambiguation).

Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (; French: [mɔ̃tɛskjø]; 18 January  – 10 February ), generally referred to as simply Montesquieu, was a French judge, man of letters, historian, and political philosopher.

He is the principal source of the theory of separation of powers, which is implemented in many constitutions throughout the world.

He is also known for doing more than any other author to secure the place of the word despotism in the political lexicon. His anonymously published The Spirit of Law (), which was received well in both Great Britain and the American colonies, influenced the Founding Fathers of the United States in drafting the U.S.

Constitution.

Biography

Montesquieu was born at the Château de la Brède in southwest France, 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of Bordeaux. His father, Jacques de Secondat (–), was a