Rule of law implies that every citizen is subject to the law, including law makers themselves. In this sense, it stands in contrast to an autocracy, dictatorship, or oligarchy where the rulers are held above the law. Lack of the rule of law can be found in both democracies and dictatorships, for example because of neglect or ignorance of the law, and the rule of law is more apt to decay if a government has insufficient corrective mechanisms for restoring it. Government based upon the rule of law is called nomocracy. COUNT 5
QSN1 In what forms of government are leaders not held to the same laws as ordinary citizens? ANS1 autocracy, dictatorship, or oligarchy QSN2 According to the rule of law, who must obey the laws? ANS2 every citizen QSN3 What are governments called that are created with the rule of law in mind? ANS3 nomocracy QSN4 What happens to the rule of law if a government does not have an effective system for maintenance and restoration? ANS4 decay QSN5 For what reasons might democratic societies not follow the rule of law? ANS5 neglect or ignorance of the law