Which principle aims to limit the authority of government and protect individual freedoms?

The principle of limited government is centered on the idea that governmental power should be restricted, ensuring that individual freedoms are protected from the encroachment of authority. This concept is foundational to democratic societies and is embedded in the Constitution. It emphasizes that the government can only exercise powers that are explicitly granted to it by laws, leaving all other rights and freedoms to the individuals.

Limited government seeks to prevent tyranny and abuse of power by establishing clear boundaries that the government cannot overstep, thereby protecting citizens' rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and privacy. This principle is crucial in maintaining a system where individual liberties are prioritized, and it empowers citizens to challenge governmental actions that infringe on their rights.

While the other options—federalism, rule of law, and separation of powers—contribute to the structure and function of government, they do not inherently focus on constraining government authority in the same direct way as limited government does. Federalism establishes a division of powers across different levels of government, the rule of law ensures that laws govern the country rather than arbitrary decisions, and separation of powers divides responsibilities among government branches to prevent concentration of power. However, limited government specifically enshrines the idea that government must operate within defined limits to