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In general when we hear the term “limited government” it’s usually argued for from a perspective of one of the first ten Bill of Rights. For example, the National Rifle Association (NRA) will utilize constitutional text highlighting the right to bear arms. In this case the American citizens have a right to own and carry weapons in defense of themselves and in worst case scenarios to defend other citizens against an invader. However, protection from the government can actually be grouped into three main categories. The first being protections of a citizen positional preference. The second being the citizen’s right to protect himself, family and well being. The third category is that each citizen is granted protection from the state when in contention with the state.
The original purpose of the constitution was to avoid generations of people living under the model of western rule as it was found in world powers up to the 17th century. Monarchs ruled the day and often steamrolled over those who had no power. Once liberty for colonizers and settlers was established at the end of the revolutionary war the drafters of the constitution built on ancient Roman democratic models and tweaked the style of government so that the people have power even to the point of protecting itself against tyrannical government.
Example #1
The right to choose leadership rather than bear with leadership based on genealogical order or social status puts government in the hands of the people. Also, provisions that give presidents a term limit give the citizenry a guarantee that leadership will change hands and that they can play an active role in choosing. This actually helps to protect the right to positional preference because one has the ability to vote in those who hold their position without fear of reprisal.
Example #2
The right to vocalize an opinion that may or may not be in favor of the government powers is also a defense of the right of a citizen to choose positioning. Opinions or even bias can be based religion, economic status, and more. The government has no right to force citizens into a favorable position in regard to itself.
Defenses of Rights When in Contention Against the State
Example #3
Citizens actually have indirect power over the judicial system. The powers of voting are more far reaching than we often remind ourselves. The judicial system, like the other branches of government, is held in place by checks against its power. On lower levels we vote them in and even on the highest levels we have the ability to choose the person who appoints the judges. In this way regular citizens will have influence over the political leanings of the judges. Political leanings effect the burdens of the court system on a citizen in contention with the state.
Example #4
Within the constitution the rights of the citizen are blatantly stated in regard to a fair trial. The government can’t in any way steamroll an individual in courts of law. This often overlaps with political positioning as well. Accused criminals have to be proven guilty of a real crime. There are instances in other forms of government where individuals are penalized more for what they believe. In America, if the government wants to get rid of someone its workers have to come up with very elaborate cases of accusation to pull off punishment because political belief.
Personal Protections
Example #5
The right to bear arms is specific to American citizens. In one way it limits the government disarming its citizens and limiting their ability to protect themselves. On a deeper level this demonstrates that the government is even limited in taking military advantage of its citizens. Citizens actually have the right to protect itself against the government. Arguably this is the most profound example of limited government. There is no other government now and in the past that has given its citizens the right to protect themselves against itself.
