Which of the following describe the rule of law? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
The president is the ultimate authority.
The law is the ultimate authority.
The Supreme Court can strike down laws if they violate the Constitution.
Government officials can break the law if they have a good reason.
Citizens can be unfairly punished if they break too many laws.
The law is the ultimate authority.
The Supreme Court can strike down laws if they violate the Constitution.
Citizens can be unfairly punished if they break too many laws.
The following options describe the rule of law:
- The law is the ultimate authority.
- The Supreme Court can strike down laws if they violate the Constitution.
- Citizens can be unfairly punished if they break too many laws.
The president being the ultimate authority and government officials breaking the law if they have a good reason do not accurately describe the rule of law.
To determine which of the following options describe the rule of law, let's break down each statement:
1. The president is the ultimate authority.
This statement does not describe the rule of law. The rule of law emphasizes that no individual, including the president, is above the law.
2. The law is the ultimate authority.
This statement aligns with the rule of law. The foundation of the rule of law is that laws, rather than individuals, serve as the ultimate authority.
3. The Supreme Court can strike down laws if they violate the Constitution.
This statement also aligns with the rule of law. The principle of judicial review grants the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
4. Government officials can break the law if they have a good reason.
This statement does not describe the rule of law. The rule of law requires that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to and must adhere to the law without exemptions or privileges.
5. Citizens can be unfairly punished if they break too many laws.
This statement does not directly relate to the rule of law itself. However, if the laws are applied unfairly or unevenly, it could be a violation of the rule of law.
Based on the explanations above, the options that describe the rule of law are:
- The law is the ultimate authority.
- The Supreme Court can strike down laws if they violate the Constitution.