Limited Government
Definition: Because the people are the source of government power, the
government has only as much authority as the people give it. Much of the Constitution,
in fact, consists of specific limitations on government power. Limited
government means that neither the government itself nor any government official
is “above the law” and can overstep these constitutional bounds.
How Has it Been Applied Today?
Example: Government cannot restrict first ammendment
- This demonstrates limited government as the government is not powerful enough to restrict freedoms of religion, speech, press, and assembly
Example: Checks and Balances ideal.
- Demonstrates limited government as any branch of government can restrict the other two branches if they become too powerful
- Demonstrates limited government as any branch of government can restrict the other two branches if they become too powerful
Example: Separation of Powers ideal.
-Demonstrates Limited government as the government itself is divided, separating power among branches.
But How has it Been Applied Over Time?
Magna Carta (1215): Established the principle that the power of the monarchy was not
absolute.
- Demonstrates limited government as the power of the monarch was "limited" separating power between officials and the people.
visit http://www.constitution.org/eng/magnacar.htm to learn more,
Magna Carta (1215): Allows due process of law
- Demonstrates limited government as government officials could not deprive people of liberty unless appropriate legal procedures are taken.
visit http://www.constitution.org/eng/magnacar.htm to learn more.
English Petition of Rights (1628): The king could no longer imprison or otherwise punish another person.
- Demonstrates limited government as the power to 'punish" was taken away from the king, limiting his powers.
visit http://www.constitution.org/eng/petright.htm to learn more.
English Petition of Rights (1628): The kings troops shall not be sheltered unless by homeowner's consent.
- Demonstrates limited government as the king was no longer able to force-quarter his troops among citizens homes.
visit http://www.constitution.org/eng/petright.htm to learn more.
English Bill of Rights (1689): Freedom from excessive bail
- Demonstrates limited government as English officials were unable to post high bail costs.
visit http://www.constitution.org/bor/eng_bor.htm to learn more.
English Bill of Rights (1689): Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment.
- Demonstrates limited government since the English government was unable to forceably imprison peopole under strange circumstances.
visit http://www.constitution.org/bor/eng_bor.htm to learn more.
Declaration of Independence (1776): Right to people to alter or abolish government if it becomes too destructive.
- Demonstrates limited government as it establishes a non-supreme government that is under controll of the governed and cannot act outside regulations,
visit http://www.history.com/topics/declaration-of-independence to learn more.
First State Constitutions (1776-1780): The sovereign people held certain rights that the government must respect at all
times
- Demonstrates limited government as the government is not powerful enough to intrude upon the people's lives. The people are sovereign and have more power than the government.
visit http://teachergenius.teachtci.com/the-first-state-constitutions/ to learn more.
First State Constitutions (1776-1780): Elective terms lasted no longer than two years.
-Demonstrates limited government as no government official may serve beyond a two year term. Government officials are "limited" to the amount of time they may hold in office.
visit http://teachergenius.teachtci.com/the-first-state-constitutions/ to learn more.
Articles of Confederation(1777/ rat-1781): 13 states had to agree in order to make an ammendment.
- Demonstrates limited government as no single state couldform an ammendment; all states must agree upon a decision.
visit http://www.usconstitution.net/articles.html to learn more.