U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What does limited government mean?

1. Governments can make any law they want

2. Governments have unlimited powers over citizens

3. Governments must follow the Constitution

4. Governments can tax exports freely

The correct answer is: Governments must follow the Constitution

Limited government is a foundational principle in many democratic societies, particularly in the United States, where it is closely tied to the concept of the rule of law and the protection of individual rights. The essence of limited government is that governmental powers are restricted by law, specifically the Constitution. This means that the government cannot act arbitrarily or exercise powers beyond what is provided for in the Constitution. By following the Constitution, which outlines the structure of government, delineates its powers, and specifies the rights of citizens, limited government ensures that individual freedoms are safeguarded against excessive governmental intervention. This framework establishes a system of checks and balances intended to prevent any branch of government from becoming too powerful, thus preserving democracy and protecting the rights of the people. The other options suggest an absence of restrictions on governmental power, which contradicts the concept of limited government. They imply a scenario where laws can be made without regard to constitutional constraints or where the government has excessive control over citizens, both of which are not aligned with the principles of limited government.