Which constitutional principle requires government power to be limited by laws and protects individuals from arbitrary action?

• A. Separation of powers
• B. Popular sovereignty
• C. Rule of law
• D. Federalism

Answer: (C)

Rule of law means that government power is limited by laws and individuals are protected from arbitrary action. It ensures that officials must act within legal constraints, laws apply equally to everyone, and action by the government can be checked or challenged when rights are at stake. This keeps power from being exercised at the whim of rulers and guarantees due process and accountability. Separation of powers, while important for preventing the concentration of power by distributing governmental functions among branches, describes how power is organized rather than the basic requirement that government itself obeys laws. Popular sovereignty centers on the idea that authority comes from the people, not on legal limits; federalism emphasizes the division of power between national and state governments.