The author contends that the separation of powers in American government is not primarily based on the political theories of Montesquieu but on the actual experience of the colonists with the abuse of plural office-holding. Having tasted the bitter fruits of tyranny concentrated in the hands of one man and his family, the makers of the constitution provided against a recurrence of such evil. Originally published in 1945. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.