What did Montesquieu meant by the phrase separation of powers and where he saw this principle applied?

Montesquieu's phrase "separation of powers" refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one group from gaining too much power. He identified three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, each with its own functions and powers. Montesquieu believed this principle was essential for maintaining liberty and preventing tyranny, and he saw it applied in the governance of England, which inspired his ideas about creating a balanced system of checks and balances. His concepts greatly influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution.