Final answer:
Montesquieu argues for the division of power to maintain political liberty and prevent the abuse of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Montesquieu argues for the division of power because he believed that the separation of powers was necessary to maintain political liberty and prevent the abuse of power. In his book, Spirit of the Laws, Montesquieu proposed that the executive, legislative, and judicial functions of government should be assigned to separate bodies to ensure checks and balances. This division of power would prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and would uphold the principles of democracy.