A limited government is a political system where the powers of the government are legally restricted, typically through a written constitution, to protect individual rights and prevent government overreach
. This means the government can only exercise powers that are explicitly delegated to it by law, and it must operate within those bounds without infringing on citizens' freedoms
. Key features of limited government include:
- Legal constraints on government authority , often codified in a constitution that outlines what the government can and cannot do
- Separation of powers among branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) to ensure no single entity has unchecked control
- Checks and balances that allow each branch to limit the powers of the others, preventing abuses of power
- Protection of individual rights , often through a bill of rights or similar legal guarantees that government cannot violate
- Democratic elections to ensure government officials are accountable to the people
Historically, the concept traces back to documents like the Magna Carta (1215), which limited the power of the English monarchy, and was further developed during the Enlightenment and in the U.S. Constitution, which explicitly limits federal government powers and protects citizens' rights
. Limited government is distinct from "small government" - the former refers to legal and constitutional limits on power, while the latter often refers to reducing government size and spending
. In essence, limited government is designed to prevent tyranny by ensuring that government authority is confined and accountable, safeguarding individual freedoms and the rule of law
