Which term describes a situation where government power is limited by laws?

The concept of the rule of law is foundational to many democratic societies, including the United States and its system of governance. It refers to the principle that all individuals, institutions, and entities are accountable to the law, which is fairly applied and enforced. This means that government power is not arbitrary; instead, it is constrained by established laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.

In a society governed by the rule of law, laws are designed to limit the powers of government and protect the rights of individuals. This contrasts with authoritarianism, where the government holds absolute power and often operates without the constraints of law, leading to potential abuses of power. The rule of law ensures that citizens have legal protections and that the government cannot act outside the boundaries set by law, preserving individual liberties and promoting justice.

The other terms present, such as socialism and paternalism, do not inherently relate to the concept of governing power being limited by established laws. Socialism focuses on economic systems and the distribution of resources rather than the legal constraints on governmental authority, while paternalism emphasizes a more parental approach to governance, often overriding individual autonomy in the name of protection or welfare.