In what way did the articles of confederation fail to embody the principles of division of powers as proposed by charles de montesquieu? think back to what you have learned. the articles rotated power among the branches of government rather than clearly defining their powers. the articles called for a strong prime minister to head the government. charles de montesquieu argued that the government should be divided into three branches, each branch having limited powers. this way a balance of powers could be achieved and the rights of citizens protected. the articles reserved most powers to the states, with the government having no central executive and no judicial system. it would only have a legislature, the congress. the articles created a strong national government that could easily keep the states in line.