The theory of separation of power is associated with?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which political thinker is linked with the theory of separation of powers.

Step 2: Explain the concept Separation of powers is the principle that government authority should be divided among three separate arms so that no one person or group holds all the power:

• Legislature makes laws
• Executive carries out laws
• Judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes

This prevents tyranny and abuse of power. It is the basis of the checks and balances in Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.

Step 3: Go through the options

• A. Jean Bodin was a French thinker associated with the theory of sovereignty, not separation of powers.
• B. Baron de Montesquieu was a French philosopher who set out the theory in his book The Spirit of the Laws (1748). He is the thinker most closely linked with the doctrine.
• C. A.V. Dicey was a British jurist associated with the rule of law and parliamentary sovereignty.
• D. J.J. Rousseau was associated with the social contract and the general will, as in The Social Contract.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. Baron de Montesquieu.

Exam tip: Match each thinker to one idea:

• Bodin → Sovereignty
• Montesquieu → Separation of powers
• Dicey → Rule of law
• Rousseau → General will / social contract
• Locke and Hobbes → Social contract

Remember "Montesquieu = Multiple arms of government" to keep it fixed in your mind.