What did Montesquieu's philosophy help promote in modern governments?

Montesquieu's philosophy significantly contributed to the development of the concept of checks and balances through the separation of powers, which is fundamental in modern democratic governments. He articulated the idea that governmental power should be divided into distinct branches—typically the executive, legislative, and judicial branches—to prevent any single entity from becoming too powerful. This framework aims to ensure that each branch operates within its own domain while still being able to check the powers of the others, thus promoting accountability and protecting individual freedoms.

The philosophy emphasizes that liberty can best be preserved when government power is limited and divided. By influencing the structure of modern governments, Montesquieu laid the groundwork for constitutional frameworks that foster democratic principles, making his thoughts crucial to the evolution of political governance in contemporary societies. His ideas were vital to the framers of influential documents like the U.S. Constitution, directly impacting how modern governments operate.