Question 16

Constitutionalism is best justified by the excerpt.

The excerpt emphasizes the need for a system that prevents the abuse of power, suggesting that a framework of laws and principles is necessary to maintain political liberty. This aligns closely with the concept of constitutionalism, which establishes limits on government power and outlines checks and balances.

A) consent of the governed

While consent of the governed is an important democratic principle, the excerpt does not directly address the relationship between government authority and the consent of the people. Instead, it focuses on the prevention of power abuse, which is more aligned with the structural limitations found in constitutionalism.

B) constitutionalism

This option is correct as the excerpt directly discusses the necessity of organizing power in a way that it checks itself to prevent abuse. Constitutionalism embodies this idea by creating a legal framework that restricts governmental power and ensures accountability, which is crucial for safeguarding political liberty.

C) natural rights

Natural rights pertain to inherent freedoms and entitlements that individuals possess. Although the protection of these rights is essential, the excerpt does not specifically mention them. Instead, it concentrates on the mechanisms for preventing power abuse, which relates more closely to constitutionalism than to the concept of natural rights.

D) equality

Equality implies a state of being equal in rights and opportunities, but the excerpt does not discuss this principle. Its primary focus is on the prevention of power abuse, indicating the need for a system of checks rather than an emphasis on equal treatment or status among individuals.

Conclusion

The excerpt clearly supports the principle of constitutionalism by advocating for a structured approach to governance that checks and balances power to prevent its abuse. Other options, while significant in their own right, do not address the core issue of power limitations as explicitly as constitutionalism does, making it the most justified principle in this context.