Make use of the article to answer the questions.

Separation of powers is a political doctrine originating in the writings of Montesquieu in The Spirit of the Laws where he urged for a constitutional government with three separate branches of government. Each of the three branches would have defined abilities to check the powers of the other branches. This idea was called separation of powers. This philosophy heavily influenced the writing of the United States Constitution, according to which the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of the United States government are kept distinct in order to prevent abuse of power. This United States form of separation of powers is associated with a system of checks and balances. 

During the Age of Enlightenment, philosophers such as John Locke advocated the principle in their writings, whereas others, such as Thomas Hobbes, strongly opposed it. Montesquieu was one of the foremost supporters of separating the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. His writings considerably influenced the opinions of the framers of the United States Constitution.

1. What concept influenced the US form of government?
2. What did he write?
3. What was the concept that he recommended?
4. How many separate powers did he recommend?
5. What are the three powers in the US government?
6. What is hoped to be gained by keeping them separate?
7. What kind of a system will accomplish that?
8. Who agreed with such systems?
9. How do we know that?
10. Was there any opposition?
11. Who might that be?
12. Montesquieu influenced who?
13. And what are we talking about?
14. The three branches are found where?
15. When did John Locke live?

Numbered answers:
1. writings of Montesquieu
2. The Spirit of the Law
3. Separation of powers
4. three
5. Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
6. prevent abuse of power
7. system of checks and balances
8. philosophers such as John Locke
9. advocated the principle in their writings
10. yes
11. Thomas Hobbes strongly opposed it
12. the framers of the United States Constitution.
13. Separation of powers
14. United States Constitution
15. During the Age of Enlightenment