Julien Josset, founder. google_ad_width = 728; If it were joined to Legislative power, the power over life and liberty of the citizens would be arbitrary, for the Judge would be the Legislator. Warning of the abuse of power when concentrated, Montesquieu introduced the revolutionary concept of separating the powers of ruling into three branches: These three branches would selfishly pull against each other to prevent one from overpowering the others -- thus using selfish power to selfish check power. Montesquieu withdrew from the practice of law to devote himself to study and writing. And free trade was an essential part of such assurance.

“Political liberty,” he defines, “is the tranquillity of mind that results from the conviction that everybody has his security” (XI.6); but this liberty is not a liberty to do what one wants to do.

The separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial) is the best way to reconcile the freedom of citizens and public authorities.