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A political ideology known as limited government emphasizes the value of curbing governmental power and preserving individual freedom. A system of limited government restricts the role of the state to the defense of individual freedoms, the provision of public services, and the upholding of legal obligations and property rights. A constitution or other legal framework that lays forth clear bounds on the government's power restricts it.
The idea of limited government has its origins in classical liberalism, which came to be in the 18th century in reaction to the absolute monarchies' authoritarianism. It was believed that a government with reasonable boundaries would be best able to protect individual liberties and promote economic growth.
The power of the government is restricted in various ways in a limited government system. For instance, it is generally forbidden for the government to interfere with people's freedoms of expression, religion, and association. The government is generally not allowed to engage in monopolistic or anti-competitive behaviors, and its capacity to meddle with the market economy is similarly constrained.
Constitutional limitations are not the only way to create a limited government; institutional checks and balances are equally important. For instance, in a democracy, the legislative, executive, and judicial departments of government are distinct from one another and work to balance each other's power.
The benefits of limited government include increased individual freedom and economic prosperity. By limiting the power of government, individuals are able to pursue their own goals and interests without interference from the state. In addition, a limited government is generally more efficient and effective, since it is focused on providing only essential services and goods.
Even so, there are disadvantages to limited government. A limited government might not be able to solve some social issues or meet the demands of underprivileged populations, for instance. Further, market failures and other economic crises may be more likely to affect a limited government.
The power of the government is restricted in various ways in a limited government system. For instance, it is generally forbidden for the government to interfere with people's freedoms of expression, religion, and association. The government is generally not allowed to engage in monopolistic or anti-competitive behaviors, and its capacity to meddle with the market economy is similarly constrained.
Constitutional limitations are not the only way to create a limited government; institutional checks and balances are equally important. For instance, in a democracy, the legislative, executive, and judicial departments of government are distinct from one another and work to balance each other's power.
The benefits of limited government include increased individual freedom and economic prosperity. By limiting the power of government, individuals are able to pursue their own goals and interests without interference from the state. In addition, a limited government is generally more efficient and effective, since it is focused on providing only essential services and goods.
Even so, there are disadvantages to limited government. A limited government might not be able to solve some social issues or meet the demands of underprivileged populations, for instance. Further, market failures and other economic crises may be more likely to affect a limited government.
