Which term describes the principle that government power is constrained by a constitution?

• A. Federalism
• B. Monarchy
• C. Limited government
• D. Anarchy

Answer: (C)

Power is limited by a constitution. A constitution lays out what the government can and cannot do and protects people’s rights. This idea is called limited government. In Texas history, the Texas Constitution defines the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and includes protections for individual rights, showing how government is constrained by law rather than acting arbitrarily. The constitution also provides checks and balances and a process to amend, which keeps government within those bounds. The other ideas describe different arrangements: federalism is about dividing power between national and state government, monarchy is rule by a king, and anarchy is a lack of government.