Which Ideas did Montesquleu believe were necessary for the best structure of government? Select all that apply. social contract checks and balances freedom of religion separation of powers natural rights

Montesquieu believed that the best structure of government required the following ideas:

1. Checks and balances: Montesquieu emphasized the importance of checks and balances in government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This system ensures that each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches, promoting a balance of power.

2. Separation of powers: Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers within government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This division ensures that no single entity or group has complete control over the government, preventing tyranny and promoting accountability.

While Montesquieu did not explicitly mention the social contract, freedom of religion, or natural rights in his work "The Spirit of the Laws," these concepts are closely related to his ideas on the structure of government. The social contract theory, which suggests that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, aligns with Montesquieu's emphasis on checks and balances and separation of powers. Freedom of religion and natural rights are fundamental principles that can be inferred from Montesquieu's ideas on the importance of individual liberties and the protection of rights within a balanced government system.