Question

the list below describes several characteristics of the american legal system.

• fair procedures
• accountability of officials to written rules
• legal decisions based on written rules
• rules are known to everyone and applied consistently

what has been an important long - term impact of these characteristics?
a. american leaders have continuously been able to increase their power.
b. individual rights have been protected against arbitrary actions by government officials.
c. americans have enjoyed unlimited individual rights even when these endanger the safety of others.
d. there have been no limits to the power of the majority of citizens expressed in national elections

Explanation:

• Option A: American leaders have not continuously increased their power without limits. The U.S. has a system of checks and balances to prevent this.
• Option B: Individual rights in America are not "unlimited" when they endanger the safety of others. There are legal boundaries (e.g., you can't shout "fire" in a crowded theater falsely).
• Option C: There are limits to the power of the majority (e.g., through the protection of minority rights in the Constitution).
• Option D: Fair procedures, legal decisions based on written rules, rules known to everyone and applied consistently, and accountability of officials to written rules are fundamental characteristics of the American legal system. These elements ensure the rule of law, predictability, and justice.

Answer:

D. There have been no limits to the power of the majority of citizens expressed in national elections