- A. government by legislature
- B. popular government
- C. multi-party government
- D. limited government
Answer: D
Explanation
Constitutionalism has a variety of meanings. Most generally, it is “a complex of ideas, attitudes, and patterns of behavior elaborating the principle that the authority of government derives from and is limited by a body of fundamental law”. Constitutionalism’ means limited government or limitation on government. It is the antithesis of arbitrary powers. Constitutionalism recognizes the need for a government with powers but at the same time insists that limitation be placed on those powers. The antithesis of constitutionalism is despotism. A government that goes beyond its limits loses its authority and legitimacy. Constitutionalism could be seen as constituting the following elements: government according to the constitution; separation of power; sovereignty of the people and democratic government; constitutional review; independent judiciary; limited government subject to a bill of individual rights; controlling the police; civilian control of the military; and no state power, or very limited and strictly circumscribed state power, to suspend the operation of some parts of, or the entire, constitution.