Which of the following ideas did Montesquieu NOT advocate for?

Montesquieu was a philosopher known for his influential ideas about government and political theory that laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems. One of his key contributions was the concept of the separation of powers, which he articulated in his work "The Spirit of the Laws." He argued that the best way to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberty was to separate government functions into distinct branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This separation ensures that no single entity or individual holds too much power.

The notion of checks and balances is also a central part of Montesquieu's philosophy, where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, thereby preventing any form of absolute authority. His emphasis on the importance of liberty highlights his belief that a balanced government structure was essential for safeguarding personal freedoms.

In contrast, the divine right of kings, which suggests that monarchs derive their authority directly from God and are not accountable to their subjects, fundamentally contradicts Montesquieu's ideals. This doctrine supports absolute monarchy, which Montesquieu opposed in favor of governance that provides liberty and protects citizens' rights. Thus, he did not advocate for the divine right of kings, making it the correct answer to this question.