U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyHard
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the concept of 'limited government' in the United States?
- AThe First Amendment protecting a citizen's right to criticize government policies.
- BCongress passing a law that grants unlimited power to the President during a national emergency.
- CA state government requiring all citizens to adhere to a specific religious doctrine.
- DThe federal government having the authority to raise taxes without public consent.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The First Amendment protecting a citizen's right to criticize government policies.
Limited government means that governmental power is restricted by law, usually a written constitution, to protect individual rights. The First Amendment's protection of free speech against government encroachment is a prime example of this limitation.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Granting unlimited power to the President would contradict the principle of limited government.
- C. A state requiring religious adherence violates the First Amendment and the principle of limited government.
- D. The federal government's power to tax is granted by the Constitution and generally requires legislative (representative) consent, but unlimited taxation without any consent would violate limited government.
Limited Government
Limited government is a political system in which legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers, typically by a constitution.
- Government is not all-powerful; it must obey the law.
- Individual rights and freedoms are protected from government overreach.
- Often achieved through checks and balances, separation of powers, and a written constitution.
Memory trick: Limited government: The Constitution puts a leash on power.