Final answer:
The constitutional principle of representative government is based on the consent of the governed and is designed to reflect the will of the people through elected officials. The rule of law is a fundamental concept ensuring that everyone, including those in power, is subject to the law, which must be clear, fair, and consistently applied. These principles are embodied in the U.S. Constitution, which balances power between branches of government and protects individual rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Representative Government :
The constitutional principle of representative government is grounded in the idea that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. This principle reflects the notion that political power must be exercised by leaders elected by the people to represent their interests and uphold their rights. The rule of law ensures that no one, including government officials, is above the law, and that laws are applied fairly and consistently to all citizens.
In a representative government, leaders are elected to act on behalf of the people, who have the authority to elect different leaders if the current ones do not uphold the values and laws of the country. This form of government is characterized by legal and constitutional limitations on power, adherence to the rule of law, and the guarantee of individual rights. It ensures the government operates within the bounds of the law, holding both government and private actors accountable under the law that is clear, publicized, stable, and applied evenly.