Final answer:
The idea of separation of powers was taken from Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws, where Montesquieu advocated for a system of government with separate branches and powers. This helps to prevent one branch from overpowering the others and maintains a system of checks and balances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of separation of powers was taken from Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws. Montesquieu argued and advocated for a system of government with separation of powers, where the executive, legislative, and judicial functions are assigned to different bodies. This helps to prevent one branch of government from overpowering the others, ensuring a system of checks and balances.