Question

the british executive power possesses all the authority properly appertaining to concerning a sovereign, but he is surrounded by a triple line of dams, barriers, and stockades. . . . not even decrees of royal authority can exempt them from this responsibility. the executive is commander in chief of the army and navy; he makes peace and declares war; but parliament annually determines what sums are to be paid to these military forces. while the courts and judges are dependent on the executive power, the laws originate in and are made by parliament.

—simón de bolívar:
message to the congress of angostura, 1819

which of these enlightenment philosophers’ ideas is supported by bolívar in this passage?

○ montesquieu’s idea of separation of powers
○ locke’s idea of natural rights
○ voltaire’s idea of freedom of religion
○ hobbes’s idea of the social contract

Explanation:

The passage describes the British executive (monarch) having certain powers (military, etc.) but being restricted by Parliament (which makes laws) and other checks. Montesquieu's separation of powers involves dividing government into branches (executive, legislative, judicial) with checks. The passage shows executive (monarch) with some powers, Parliament (legislative) making laws, and courts/judges (judicial) dependent on executive but laws from Parliament—aligning with separation of powers. Locke's natural rights focus on life, liberty, property (not in passage). Voltaire's religious freedom isn't discussed. Hobbes's social contract is about people giving power to a sovereign (passage shows executive restricted, not absolute as Hobbes's sovereign often is). So Montesquieu's idea is supported.

Answer:

A. Montesquieu’s idea of separation of powers