The Constitution creates a government of limited, enumerated powers. If the Constitution doesn't specifically give a power to the federal government, that power belongs to the states or the people. This principle is reinforced by the Tenth Amendment.
Limited government means federal officials cannot simply do whatever they think is best—they must follow constitutional rules and procedures.
This protects individual freedom by preventing government from overreaching into areas that belong to citizens or states. It ensures that government power comes from the consent of the governed, not from its own authority.
Limited government doesn't mean weak government—it means government with boundaries. The federal government is very powerful within its constitutional areas, but cannot act outside those boundaries.
This protects individual freedom by preventing government from overreaching into areas that belong to citizens or states. It ensures that government power comes from the consent of the governed, not from its own authority.
Limited government doesn't mean weak government—it means government with boundaries. The federal government is very powerful within its constitutional areas, but cannot act outside those boundaries.