Which option best defines the principle that a government's powers are defined and limited by a constitution?

Which option best defines the principle that a government's powers are defined and limited by a constitution?

• A. Constitutional Principle
• B. Limited Government
• C. Rule of Law
• D. Civic Virtue

Answer: (B)

Limited government is the idea that government authority is restricted and defined by a constitution. This framework sets out what the government can and cannot do, preventing arbitrary or unchecked power and protecting individual rights. That’s exactly what the statement describes: powers defined and limited by a constitutional framework. The other options don’t fit as precisely. A constitutional principle is a broad term and can refer to many ideas about constitutional design, not the specific mechanism of limits. Rule of law emphasizes that everyone, including those in power, must follow the law, which is related but focuses on legal fairness rather than the source of power itself. Civic virtue concerns the character and participation of citizens, not the formal limits on government authority.

Limited government is the idea that government authority is restricted and defined by a constitution. This framework sets out what the government can and cannot do, preventing arbitrary or unchecked power and protecting individual rights. That’s exactly what the statement describes: powers defined and limited by a constitutional framework.

The other options don’t fit as precisely. A constitutional principle is a broad term and can refer to many ideas about constitutional design, not the specific mechanism of limits. Rule of law emphasizes that everyone, including those in power, must follow the law, which is related but focuses on legal fairness rather than the source of power itself. Civic virtue concerns the character and participation of citizens, not the formal limits on government authority.