Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law”?

1. Limitation of powers

2. Equality before law

3. People’s responsibility to the Government

4. Liberty and civil rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 4 only.

Explanation:

The concept of the "Rule of Law" is a fundamental principle of modern democratic governance, popularised by the British jurist A.V. Dicey. It implies that every citizen is subject to the law, including law-makers themselves. Its main features include:

1. Limitation of powers: The Rule of Law ensures that the government and public authorities exercise their powers within the boundaries set by law, preventing arbitrary decision-making or authoritarianism.

2. Equality before law: No individual is above the law. Everyone, regardless of status, rank, or wealth, is subject to the ordinary law of the land and the jurisdiction of ordinary courts.

4. Liberty and civil rights: The Rule of Law guarantees fundamental freedoms, personal liberty, and civil rights to individual citizens, protecting them against state overreach.

Why Statement 3 is incorrect:

Statement 3 mentions "People’s responsibility to the Government." In a democratic framework governed by the Rule of Law, the Government is accountable and responsible to the people, not the other way around. While citizens have legal duties, "responsibility of people to the government" is characteristic of authoritarian regimes rather than the core principle of the Rule of Law.

Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are the primary features of the Rule of Law.