Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2018 · Polity and Constitution · Question 45

Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the "Rule of Law"?<br/>1. Limitation of Powers<br/>2. Equality before law<br/>3. People's responsibility to the Government<br/>4. Liberty and civil rights<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 and 4 only
  3. 1, 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 4 only

1. Limitation of Powers — A core element of Rule of Law is that government power is limited by law, not arbitrary. Verdict: Correct.

2. Equality before law — This is a classic feature of Rule of Law, especially in Dicey’s formulation: all are equal before ordinary law. Verdict: Correct.

3. People's responsibility to the Government — Rule of Law concerns the government's subjection to law and protection of citizens, not a doctrine of people's responsibility to government. Verdict: Incorrect.

4. Liberty and civil rights — Rule of Law is closely linked with protection of individual liberty and civil rights through legal safeguards. Verdict: Correct.

Hence, 1, 2 and 4 are correct.

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