Rule of Law SS.7.CG.1.11

The Rule of Law states that:

• There should be no barriers to the right to vote.

• A just government derives its powers from the governed.

• All people, including those who govern, must obey the law.

• A country's citizens are the source of the government's power.

Which of these would you most like find in an unlimited government?

• one person rule

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• protection of free speech

All of these are characteristics of which type of government?

• monarchy

• autocracy

• limited government

• unlimited government

What is the rule of law as it relates to the federal government?

• It is the principle of separation of power.

• It is the list of laws every American should follow.

• It is the laws created for our President to follow.

• It is the theory that everyone should obey the laws the government passes.

Which founding principle of the United States Constitution is missing from this list?

• Rule of Law

• Bill of Rights

• Right to Bear Arms

• Articles of Confederation

Which principle is included in the U.S. Constitution?

• rule of law

• right to trial

• capitalism

• confederalism

Answer explanation

The rule of law is one of the core organizing principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Which statement describes an impact of the rule of law?

• state of nature

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• transparency of institutions

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution is organized around the rule of law; a government organized around the rule of law will include transparent (open) institutions.

Which characteristic serves as a long-term protection against tyranny and is a foundation of liberty in the United States?

• the commerce clause

• the elastic clause

• the right to trial

• the rule of law

Answer explanation

The rule of law is the constitutional principle that holds everyone accountable under the law including those people who make and enforce laws. In a tyranny, rulers can create any laws that they want which is a form of tyranny and threatens liberty.

How does rule of law affect U.S. government officials and institutions?

• A. It holds government officials and institutions accountable to the law.

• B. It requires government officials and institutions to create new laws.

• C. It prevents government officials and institutions from making their work public.

• D. It ensures government officials and institutions are exempt from laws

Answer explanation

Rule of law is the principle that both those who govern and those who are governed must obey the law and are subject to the same laws. Everyone agrees to follow the laws. Rule of law affects government leaders and groups in many ways. Everything they do must be based on the law, and they are accountable for their decisions. That means officials are held responsible for the choices they make.

What is the characteristics of a society that operates under the rule of law?

• citizens will not have rights

• easy for the government to abuse its power

• laws apply equally to everyone

• citizens are not protected