Final answer:
The Rule of Law today upholds that all are accountable to the law, ensuring laws are applied fairly and that the government is kept in check. The judiciary, including the Supreme Court, plays a key role in upholding this principle, and constitutional mechanisms like the separation of powers and the 14th Amendment support it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of Rule of Law today holds that all individuals, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights principles. The debate on whether governments are entities of representation serving the public interest or self-serving structures is ongoing. However, it is crucial to recognize that the Rule of Law serves as the foundation for a systematic and objective framework where laws are not arbitrarily applied but are followed and enforced uniformly, which theoretically keeps a check on government actions.
The Rule of Law is exemplified in various aspects of today's governance. The judicial system, including bodies like the Supreme Court, ensures that laws are applied fairly and equitably. This is reinforced by constitutional mechanisms such as the separation of powers, a concept put forth by Montesquieu, and the 14th Amendment, which upholds due process and equal protection for all citizens. While criticisms regarding government corruption exist, the Rule of Law is designed to function independently of such influences, embodying a balance between governance and the people's liberties and rights.