Limited Government

Definition

Limited government is a political system where the powers of the government are restricted by law, usually through a constitution, to protect individual rights and liberties. This concept emphasizes that governmental authority should be confined to specific roles, ensuring that citizens maintain control over their lives and freedoms. It’s closely linked to the idea of consent of the governed, where authority stems from the people's agreement, and the notion of a right to revolution when governments overstep their bounds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Limited government is a cornerstone of liberal democracy and is designed to prevent tyranny by ensuring that governmental powers are not absolute.
2. Philosophers like John Locke argued that individuals have the right to overthrow a government that violates their natural rights, reflecting the right to revolution.
3. The concept was influential during the American Revolution, as colonists sought to establish a government that would protect their rights rather than infringe upon them.
4. Constitutional design often incorporates principles of limited government by creating checks and balances among branches of government.
5. Limited government emphasizes transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to hold their leaders responsible for abuses of power.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of limited government relate to the right to revolution?
  • The concept of limited government is closely tied to the right to revolution because it asserts that if a government exceeds its lawful powers and infringes on individual rights, citizens have the right to resist or overthrow it. This principle was heavily influenced by John Locke, who argued that when a government fails to protect the natural rights of its citizens, those citizens are justified in taking action against it. Thus, limited government creates a framework where citizens can hold their leaders accountable and ensures that authority is not abused.
• In what ways did Locke's ideas about limited government shape modern liberal democracy?
  • Locke's ideas about limited government significantly shaped modern liberal democracy by establishing the notion that governmental authority derives from the consent of the governed. His emphasis on natural rights laid the groundwork for democratic principles such as individual freedom, equality before the law, and the rule of law. These ideas influenced various democratic constitutions around the world, which incorporate checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, thus embodying the principle of limited government.
• Evaluate how limited government principles were implemented in the design of the U.S. Constitution following the American Revolution.
  • The U.S. Constitution was designed with limited government principles at its core, implementing mechanisms like separation of powers and checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This framework was a direct response to fears of tyranny experienced under British rule, emphasizing that no single entity should hold unchecked power. By delineating specific powers granted to each branch and reserving others for states or individuals, the Constitution ensures that government authority is constrained while still being able to function effectively in protecting citizens' rights.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, such as life, liberty, and property, that cannot be surrendered or transferred.

Social Contract: An implicit agreement among individuals to form a government that protects their natural rights in exchange for some personal freedoms.

Constitutionalism: The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a constitution, which outlines the structure and limits of government power.