Limited Government
The principle of Limited Government makes it so the United States government does not become all powerful. The government is only allowed to do things that the people have given them the power to do. This is also known as constitutionalism and rule of law. Constitutionalism states that the government must be conducted according to constitutional principles. Rule of Law holds that the government and their officers are always subject to and never above the law.
For example, the government cannot just do whatever they would like to do without it being approved by the people. There are things that outline what the government can do, such as the Constitution. |
Examples of Limited GovernmentThe Bill of Rights holds many examples of Limited Government. For example, American citizens have the right to free speech, to protest, and the government cannot come to your house and search without a warrant.
Another example is checks and balances and the separation of powers set up in the United States government. We will review these concepts later in the website. |