Limited Government

Question 1

How the Government is Limited

Answer 1

The separation of powers and the system of checks and balances were put in place to restrict the power of the federal government. The codification and entrenchment of the constitution prevents the government from imposing their will on the citizens. The addition of the Bill of Rights also limited the power of the government by protecting the rights of the individual and the states.

Question 2

Is Limited Government Effective? Yes

Answer 2

The Supreme Court has often struck down legislation on the basis that it imposes on the rights of citizens as set out in the Bill of Rights. Checks and balances and divided government has often prevented or diluted social reforms by the Democrats that would expand the powers of the federal government.

Question 3

Is Limited Government Effective? No

Answer 3

Conservatives and libertarians argue that the government has gotten too ‘big’ as it has expanded its role in economic and social policy. They want to limit the government’s role in these areas, especially welfare programs. Many also argue that the federal government has grown too large and has more power over the states than the founding fathers originally intended.