What is SoP

Question 1

Who can the doctrine of SoP be attributed to

Answer 1

Montesquieu

Question 2

what did Montesquieu say about SoP

Answer 2

ideal state divided into 3 arms, with each arm remaining separate and not impinging on the others. The arms should be balanced and be able to check and limit the power of the other arms

Question 3

What does Montesquieu’s doctrine provide for

Answer 3

avoidance of an oppressive government

Question 4

Why would complete SoP not be a viable solution

Answer 4

Complete separation of the arms would result in a deadlock, with each arm competing against each other leading to a paralysis of government, therefore it is better to keep some overlap/ cooperation between the arms with a system of checks and balances to guarantee the freedom of the indivdual and opposes concentration of state power in one arm resulting in a dictatorship/ threat to democracy , maintains liberty and prevents abuse

Question 5

In which country has it been seen the complete concentration of state power in one group

Answer 5

China- communist party = dictatorship and limited freedom and liberty of the citizens

Question 6

What did John Locke say about concentration of state power and the need for SoP

Answer 6

‘too great a temptation to human frailty… for same person who have the power of making laws, to have the power to execute them’

Question 7

What would a comprehensive analysis of SoP be

Answer 7

That no one person should be from one part of the three branches
One branch should not be able to directly control another
A branch should not exercise the function of another branch