10. What principle of government did Montesquleu advocate for? A. Absolute monarchy B. Direct democracy C. Separation of powers D. Theocracy

## Step 1<br />Montesquieu, a French judge and man of letters, is best known for his theory of the separation of powers. This theory is a model for the governance of a state. <br />## Step 2<br />The separation of powers involves dividing the state into different branches, each with its own powers and responsibilities. This is done to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that each branch can check and balance the others.<br />## Step 3<br />Montesquieu's theory of the separation of powers is a key principle in the formation of modern democratic governments. It is a system where the state is divided into different branches, each with its own powers and responsibilities, to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that each branch can check and balance the others.