Title page from Complete Works, vol. 1 The Spirit of Laws

Part of: Complete Works, 4 vols. (1777) Complete Works, vol. 1 The Spirit of Laws

This is volume 1 from the Complete Works. The Spirit of Laws is Montesquieu’s best known work in which he reflects on the influence of climate on society, the separation of political powers, and the need for checks on a powerful executive office.

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Politics & Liberty

The political liberty of the subject is a tranquillity of mind arising from the opinion each person has of his safety. In order to have this liberty, it is requisite the government be so constituted as one man need not be afraid of another. When the legislative and executive powers are united in…

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