Question

excerpts from the bill of rights

• amendment i: \congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof....\
• amendment iv: \the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures....\
• amendment v: \... (n)or shall any person... be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law....\
• amendment viii: \excessive bail shall not be required... nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.\

upon analyzing the parts of these four amendments, with which constitutional principle can they be classified?
a federalism
b limited government
c checks and balances
d separation of powers

Explanation:

• Federalism is about the division of power between national and state governments. These amendments don't focus on that division.
• Checks and Balances is about one branch of government checking another (e.g., Congress checking the President). The text of these amendments isn't about inter - branch checks.
• Separation of Powers is about dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The amendments don't discuss this division.
• Limited Government means the government's power is restricted. Amendment I restricts Congress from making certain laws (religion - related), Amendment IV restricts unreasonable searches (so government can't over - step in searches), Amendment V protects against self - incrimination and ensures due process (limits government's power in criminal cases), and Amendment VIII limits bail and punishments. All these show limits on government power.

Answer:

B. Limited Government