In every government there are three sorts of power: the legislative; the executive, in respect to things dependent on the law of nations; and the executive, in regard to things that depend on the civil law. By virtue of the first, the prince or magistrate enacts temporary or perpetual laws, and amends or abrogates (revokes) those that have been already enacted. By the second, he makes peace or war, sends or receives embassies; establishes the public security, and provides against invasions. By the third, he punishes criminals, or determines the disputes that arise between individuals. The latter we shall call the judiciary power, and the other simply the executive power of the state. There would be an end of everything, were the same man, or the same body, whether of the nobles or of the people to exercise those three powers….
During the 1700s, many American leaders from across the nation helped to shape the U.S. government. Many of these leaders were influenced by ideas of Enlightenment thinkers such as the Baron de Montesquieu. Based on the excerpt, the ideas of Montesquieu supported the development of
A. the rule of law.
B. separation of powers.
C. a new social contract.
D. individual rights.