Which philosopher is known for the idea that excessive power could lead to tyranny?

Charles de Montesquieu is well-known for his ideas about the separation of powers as a means to prevent tyranny. In his seminal work, "The Spirit of the Laws," Montesquieu argued that when power is concentrated in one entity or individual's hands, it can lead to oppression and tyranny. To combat this, he proposed that government should be divided into different branches—typically the legislative, executive, and judicial—each with distinct powers and responsibilities. This separation creates a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no one branch can dominate the others, thus maintaining liberty and preventing authoritarian rule. His theories greatly influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the importance of limiting government power to protect individual freedoms.