Question

What is the "rule of law"?

Government must create the law.
Police must enforce the law.
Courts must administer the law.
Everyone must follow the law.

Answer 1

Short definition: the rule of law is the principle that everyone — rulers and ruled — is subject to and bound by law, and that law is made and applied according to established, transparent rules rather than by arbitrary power.

How the four statements fit:

- "Government must create the law." — Misleading. Laws are typically made through legitimate public procedures, but the rule of law does not simply mean the government must create laws; it means laws must be made according to fair, transparent procedures, be public and prospective, and not be applied arbitrarily.

- "Police must enforce the law." — Largely correct as an element: law enforcement should apply the law impartially and within legal limits (respecting rights and due process).

- "Courts must administer the law." — Correct: an independent, impartial judiciary that interprets and applies the law is a core component of the rule of law.

- "Everyone must follow the law." — Correct and central: the law applies equally to all, including government officials.

Other key elements to mention: laws should be clear, public, stable and prospective; legal remedies and due process should be available; rights should be protected; government power should be constrained by law.