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 :
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 4 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Why the answer is (c)
• A.V. Dicey's 'Rule of Law' has three pillars: supremacy of law (no arbitrary power, hence limitation of powers — 1), equality before the law (2), and the primacy of individual rights protected by the courts (liberty and civil rights — 4).
• Item 3 reverses the idea: rule of law makes the Government responsible to the people and the law, not the people responsible to the Government.
• India embodies these in Articles 14, 21 and judicial review.
• Hence 1, 2 and 4 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- Item 3 is wrong and items 2, 4 are core features.
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- Item 1 (limited power) is also a core feature.
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Item 3 inverts the principle: government is responsible to the people.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.