Limited Government

That assumes Democracy and the Rule of Law: Three closely connected principles at the foundation of American freedom.

Under the Constitution of the United States, the people are sovereign. Acting through their elected representatives and in accordance with constitutionally established procedures, the people have the right and duty to govern themselves. Americans are not subjects, but citizens. Our Constitution establishes self-government, not the rule of kings, judges, or bureaucrats. Our Constitution also limits the scope and authority of the national government. We regard arbitrary, usurpative, and lawless acts of governments as grave offenses against the cherished rights and liberties whose protection is what justifies the existence of government in the first place.