LIMITED GOVERNMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Limited government refers to a system in which the powers and authority of the governing body are restricted and delimited by a constitution or other legal framework. It is a concept that aims to protect individuals' rights and freedoms by placing constraints on the government's ability to interfere with their lives.
In a limited government, specific limits and boundaries are established to prevent the consolidation of excessive power in the hands of the ruling authority. These limitations can take various forms, including the separation of powers among different branches of government, the establishment of checks and balances, and the recognition and protection of individual liberties. The objective is to safeguard citizens from potential abuses and tyranny while ensuring the government functions effectively to fulfill its essential responsibilities.
The constraints placed on a limited government often involve restricting its authority over certain domains such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and privacy. Additionally, limitations may be imposed on the government's ability to infringe on property rights, impose excessive taxes, engage in unwarranted searches and seizures, or encroach on personal liberties without reasonable justification.
The concept of limited government is integral to democratic systems, as it seeks to balance the exercise of power with the protection of individual rights and the pursuit of the common good. By setting boundaries on the government's authority, limited government fosters a system of accountability, transparency, and respect for individual autonomy within a civil society.
