What principle illustrates that no individual is above the law in the United States?

Study for the ABCTE United States History Exam with our comprehensive guide. Access detailed questions, hints, and explanations to boost your exam readiness. Start preparing today!

The principle that illustrates that no individual is above the law in the United States is rooted in the concept of equality before the law. This principle ensures that all individuals, regardless of their status, wealth, or power, are subjected to the same legal standards and protections. It reinforces the idea that the law is impartial and applies equally to everyone, which is fundamental to the rule of law in a democratic society.

This principle is a cornerstone of the U.S. legal system and is reflected in various constitutional guarantees and legal practices. It underlines the belief that justice should not be influenced by personal circumstances, thus promoting fairness and accountability. In context, it opposes notions like the divine right of kings, which posits that certain individuals have inherent authority over others; instead, it supports a system where laws govern actions and decisions.

Government by the majority focuses on how decisions are made within a democracy but does not address individual accountability under the law, while judicial review refers to the power of courts to invalidate laws or executive actions that violate the Constitution. Those concepts, while important in their own right, do not directly encapsulate the idea that everyone is equally subject to the law as equality before the law does.

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