Which French liberal thinker advocated for the separation of government powers?

The correct response, which identifies Montesquieu as the French liberal thinker advocating for the separation of government powers, is rooted in his influential work, "The Spirit of the Laws" published in 1748. Montesquieu proposed the idea that a government should consist of multiple branches, each with distinct powers and responsibilities. This division was intended to prevent the concentration of power in any single entity, thereby protecting individual freedoms and promoting a system of checks and balances.

His concept significantly influenced modern democratic theory and practice, shaping the development of various political systems that prioritize the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers. Montesquieu's ideas laid the groundwork for many democratic constitutions, particularly the United States Constitution, which adopted his principles to ensure that no single branch of government would become too powerful.

In this context, while figures like Voltaire and Rousseau contributed immensely to social and political thought, their focus differed. Voltaire emphasized civil liberties and freedom of expression, while Rousseau explored concepts of social contract and popular sovereignty. Thomas Paine's writings, though pivotal in advocating for independence and democratic principles, did not specifically emphasize the need for governmental separation in the manner Montesquieu did. This makes Montesquieu's advocacy for separation of powers a