What is Limited Government?
Limited government is a political system in which the powers of the government are restricted by a constitution, usually in the form of a written document. This form of government is designed to protect individual liberties and prevent government overreach. The limitations placed on the government typically involve restrictions on its powers, scope, and reach.
Characteristics of Limited Government
- Rule of law: A limited government operates under the rule of law, meaning that both the government and its citizens are subject to the law and must abide by it.
- Constitutional constraints: The powers of the government are outlined and restricted by a constitution, which serves as the supreme law of the land.
- Separation of powers: A system of checks and balances is put in place to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Examples of Limited Governments
The United States is often cited as an example of a limited government due to its Constitution, which outlines the powers of the federal government and protects individual rights. Other countries with limited governments include Switzerland, Germany, and Japan.
Case Studies
One notable case study of limited government is the United Kingdom, which operates under an uncodified constitution. While the UK government has historically had expansive powers, the constraints imposed by unwritten constitutional conventions and the European Convention on Human Rights have served to limit its authority.
Statistics on Limited Government
According to the Cato Institute, countries with limited governments tend to have higher levels of economic freedom and prosperity. A study by the Heritage Foundation found that countries with limited governments have higher per capita incomes, lower levels of corruption, and greater respect for the rule of law.
