1.9 Rule of Law

What is a characteristic of a society under the rule of law?

• Citizens are at liberty to act without any restraint.

• All citizens and officials are subject to the same rules.

• Officials are free to follow their own private judgment.

• The ruler can take whatever steps he or she feels are necessary.

How does the rule of law protect citizens from arbitrary and abusive acts of government power?

• Officials must treat all citizens fairly and equally, based on known rules.

• Officials are free to follow their own views in emergency situations.

• Citizens can vote unpopular officials out of office at election times.

• Citizens can refuse to follow any laws they believe to be unjust.

In this society, ordinary citizens are fearful because they never know what might happen next. At any moment, they might lose their property or even their personal liberty. Which principle is needed to end this uncertainty?

• rule of law

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• representative government

The chart above describes the characteristics of three societies. Which of these societies is subject to the rule of law?

• I only

• II only

• I and III

• II and III

Decisions based on law

Fair procedures

Consistant application

Transparent procedures

The list above has a number of characteristics. Which phrase could be a title for this list?

• The goals of government identified in the Preamble to the Constitution.

• The impact of the rule of law on government officials and institutions

• The separation of powers among the three branches of government

• The rights and responsibilities of American citizens