The Roots of Limited Government article is written by the late Alan Barth, a long-time editorial board member of The Washington Post. In it he discusses how the United States is guided by key documents including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. These documents serve to limit the government 's power, as the authors sought to ensure that the United States would be free from English rule. It stems from the belief that a system of checks and balances is essential, distributing power among the judicial, legislative, and executive bodies to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful. As such, the lawmakers and authors of the Constitution (guided by popular majority) are restrained by the courts, which in turn, should be able to operate free from political agendas. The Bill of Rights is another key document which limits government in becoming involved in certain activities such as religious worship, freedom of …show more content…
The Bill of Rights also addresses the governments limited power when incarcerating, searching, and adjudicating individuals without legal protections. Barth explains that the founding authors believed that all men are created equal and are born with rights. Rights so important to the quality of life that they are protected by the government. The Constitution was establish also to protect its citizens from each other, delineating rules and laws all citizens must follow. Law and order are key to a free society. Limited government allows freedom for a diverse range of people to coexist in an organized society. The documents outline the system and how it is to work together but ultimately it is the people who must control themselves for