Which aspect of the U.S. Constitution was influenced by Montesquieu?

The aspect of the U.S. Constitution that was significantly influenced by Montesquieu is the separation of powers. Montesquieu was a French political philosopher who, in his work "The Spirit of the Laws," advocated for the division of government into different branches to prevent any one group from gaining too much power. He argued that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches should operate independently and have distinct functions to maintain liberty and avoid tyranny.

This concept became a foundational principle in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, where the framers established a system that delineates responsibilities among the three branches of government. This framework allows for each branch to check the powers of the others, fostering a balance that helps protect the rights of citizens and maintain democracy. Although checks and balances are a related concept that stems from the separation of powers, the direct influence from Montesquieu primarily pertains to the distinct division of powers among branches.