17.2.4 Limited government.

Definition

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Significance

Protection of Individual Freedoms: The principle of limited government is foundational in safeguarding individual freedoms and preventing tyranny. By constraining federal power, the Constitution ensures that citizens maintain a high degree of personal autonomy and that state governments can exercise their own powers independently. This principle is essential for maintaining a system of checks and balances where no single branch of government can dominate the others.

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Constitutional Basis

• Bill of Rights:
  • The first ten amendments to the Constitution protect individual liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, from government interference.
• 10th Amendment:
  • Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, reinforcing federalism and limiting federal authority.
• Separation of Powers:
  • Divides government power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring no single branch can exercise unchecked power.

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Consequences

Protection of Individual Liberties:

• Limited government ensures that individual rights are safeguarded against government overreach. For instance, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, preventing government censorship of individuals or the press. Balance of Power:

• By limiting government power, the Constitution maintains a balance between federal and state authorities. This division allows states to govern in areas not explicitly controlled by the federal government, such as education and local law enforcement. Judicial Review:

• The principle of limited government is upheld through judicial review, where courts have the authority to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional. For example, in United States v. Lopez (1995), the Supreme Court struck down a federal law that exceeded the bounds of the Commerce Clause, reaffirming limits on federal power.

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Examples

• Roe v. Wade (1973):

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) Challenges:

• Gun Control Laws:

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Significance in Modern Politics

In contemporary US politics, limited government remains a central issue, especially in debates over federal versus state authority, the expansion of executive power, and the protection of civil liberties. Discussions around government surveillance, healthcare mandates, and gun control often center on the tension between protecting individual freedoms and addressing national concerns.