\begin{tabular}{l} CLUE \#5: \\ Which Enlightenment ided is described in the document below? \\ \( \begin{array}{l}\text { There would be no freedom it the same man or the same group of men controlled those } \\ \text { three powers at once. This man or group of men would have complete control over all parts } \\ \text { of the law. They could create tyrannical laws or enforce them like a tyrant. They could } \\ \text { plunder (loot) the country by their general determinations (choices), and could ruin any } \\ \text { private citizen by their particular decisions. } \\ \text { separation of powers } \\ \text { freedom of speech } \\ \text { social contract } \\ \text { natural rights }\end{array} \) \\ -Montesquieu "The Spirit of Laws," 1748 \\ \hline\end{tabular}

Montesquieu’s ideas played a pivotal role in shaping modern democratic systems. He argued that by separating governmental powers into distinct branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—tyranny could be prevented. This concept not only influenced the formation of the United States Constitution but also resonated throughout many Western democracies, ensuring that no single entity would hold absolute power over the law. In practice, the separation of powers encourages a system of checks and balances where each branch holds the others accountable. For instance, while the legislative body creates laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. This dynamic ensures that power is diffused and government remains transparent and accountable to the people, reducing the chances of oppression and abuse.