Question

Which fundamental principle of constitutional government says that the government is only given the ability to do what the electorate (voters) allow it to do?

a) consent of the goverment
b) limited goverment
c) representitives
d) rule of law

Answer 1

The principle that restricts the government to only the powers granted by the electorate is known as limited government, which is fundamental in a constitutional government. The Constitution outlines these limitations and the rule of law ensures that government decisions align with established principles, protecting citizens' rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fundamental principle of constitutional government that says the government is only given the ability to do what the electorate (voters) allow it to do is known as limited government. In a constitutional government, the Constitution establishes limits and rules for the government to follow and lists individual rights that cannot be violated. This ensures that the rights of citizens are protected and minorities are shielded from oppression by majorities.

Within a constitutional government, the rule of law is essential, ensuring no one is above the law, not even government officials. This upholds the supremacy of the Constitution and guarantees that those who govern base their decisions on established principles or rules. Constitutionalism, which embodies this concept, balances limited government with the fundamental worth of each individual, emphasizing their right to self-determination as laid out by a bill of rights in the Constitution.

Answer 2

Limited government is the fundamental principle that limits governmental powers as granted by the electorate, protecting citizens' rights within a constitution. Constitutionalism upholds this balance between government authority and individual rights. In democracies, unlike monarchies, governance is based on the consent of the governed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fundamental principle of constitutional government that states the government is only given the ability to do what the electorate (voters) allow it to do is referred to as limited government. This concept is embodied in the constitution which explicitly limits the powers of the government, ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected against the possibility of governmental overreach. The concept of constitutionalism further emphasizes that the government's authority is balanced with the fundamental worth and rights of each individual, maintaining a necessary balance between government power and individual freedom.

In contrast to the primary focus of the question, one characteristic that is not a part of democracy is 'a king or queen holds the majority of governmental control' as this is antithetical to the principle where power is vested in the hands of the people, usually through elected representatives. Democracies operate under the umbrella that governments exist with the consent of the people and are tasked with protecting their natural rights and promoting the public good.