How did montesquieu define liberty and how did he explain the relationship between liberty and government?

Montesquieu defined liberty as the ability to act according to one's own will, as long as it does not harm others. He believed that true liberty exists within a framework of laws that protect individual rights and prevent tyranny. Montesquieu emphasized that the structure of government plays a crucial role in safeguarding liberty, advocating for the separation of powers to ensure that no single entity could dominate or infringe upon personal freedoms. This balance, he argued, is essential for maintaining a just society where individuals can thrive.