rule of law

The CivicMinded Companion

rule of law - the principle that a democratic form of government is based on founding documents (usually a Constitution) and laws applied equally to all citizens including public officials.

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The American system of government is based on the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the laws and Supreme Court decisions that follow them. The National Archives and Records Administration has compiled Our Documents - 100 Milestone Documents: the most important documents in United States history from 1776 to 1965.




Dialogue on the Rule of Law - the American Bar Association provides resources for lawyers, judges, and teachers to engage students and community groups in discussion.




National Constitution Center - Philadelphia - Created by Congress in 1988, the Center is "an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness about the Constitution and its relevance in Americans’ daily lives."




The World Justice Project (WJP) - a "multinational, multidisciplinary initiative to strengthen the rule of law worldwide" based upon four principles: (1) Government officials are accountable under the law; (2) Laws protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property; (3) Laws are enacted and enforced fairly and efficiently; and (4) Laws are upheld and "access to justice is provided by competent, independent, and ethical law enforcement officials, attorneys or representatives, and judges who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve."



Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Adopted and proclaimed December 10, 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations as a "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations...to promote respect for these rights and freedoms ... among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction."