International Journal of Frontiers in Sociology, 2024, 6(5); doi: 10.25236/IJFS.2024.060501.
Jiachen Feng
University of Warsaw, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, China
This article explores the historical and theoretical underpinnings of the division and balance of power, a cornerstone principle in Western political thought that ensures individual rights and freedoms. Tracing its roots back to the mixed polity theories of ancient Greece and Rome, the concept has profoundly influenced modern Western state structures, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The separation of powers, as articulated by philosophers such as John Locke and Montesquieu, and its practical application in constitutional governments, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, showcases its pivotal role in stabilizing political situations and promoting political progress. By examining the evolution of this concept and its application in different political entities, this paper highlights the fundamental importance of a balanced division of power in protecting individual liberties and fostering democratic governance. Through historical analysis and practical examples, the paper argues that the division and balance of power not only shapes the superstructures of states but also safeguards the social life and rights of individuals, thereby contributing to the advancement of social justice and the rule of law in contemporary societies.
John Locke, Separation of powers, checks and balances, Montesquieu
Jiachen Feng. The idea of division and balance of powers and how it guarantees individual rights and freedoms. International Journal of Frontiers in Sociology (2024), Vol. 6, Issue 5: 1-6. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFS.2024.060501.
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