Rule of Law # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 What does the Rule of Law primarily ensure?

That laws are fair
That no one is above the law
That judges make all rules
That governments cannot create laws
Explanation - The Rule of Law ensures that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law.
Correct answer is: That no one is above the law

Q.2 Who popularized the phrase 'Rule of Law' in modern legal thought?

A.V. Dicey
John Locke
Thomas Hobbes
Montesquieu
Explanation - A.V. Dicey, in his book 'Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution', popularized the modern concept of the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: A.V. Dicey

Q.3 Which principle is central to the Rule of Law?

Equality before the law
Absolute monarchy
Judicial immunity
Unlimited parliamentary power
Explanation - A core principle of the Rule of Law is that every person is equal before the law regardless of status.
Correct answer is: Equality before the law

Q.4 In a state governed by the Rule of Law, who must obey the law?

Only citizens
Only politicians
Everyone, including government officials
Only judges
Explanation - The Rule of Law demands that no one is exempt from the law.
Correct answer is: Everyone, including government officials

Q.5 Which ancient civilization first introduced concepts resembling the Rule of Law?

Egyptians
Greeks
Romans
Chinese
Explanation - Roman law introduced early principles of equality and codified rules, influencing the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Romans

Q.6 Which document is often seen as a precursor to the Rule of Law in England?

The Magna Carta (1215)
The Bill of Rights (1689)
The Petition of Right (1628)
The Habeas Corpus Act (1679)
Explanation - The Magna Carta limited the powers of the king and laid the foundation for the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: The Magna Carta (1215)

Q.7 Which statement best reflects the Rule of Law?

The ruler decides what is law
Law applies equally to all
Rich people have special legal privileges
Judges follow orders from the king
Explanation - Equality and fairness are essential aspects of the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Law applies equally to all

Q.8 According to A.V. Dicey, which of the following is NOT a principle of the Rule of Law?

Supremacy of law
Equality before law
Due process of law
Parliamentary sovereignty
Explanation - Parliamentary sovereignty is distinct from the Rule of Law, though both are key in British constitutional law.
Correct answer is: Parliamentary sovereignty

Q.9 Why is the Rule of Law important in a democracy?

It grants immunity to leaders
It ensures laws are arbitrary
It protects rights and prevents abuse of power
It removes the judiciary
Explanation - The Rule of Law safeguards democracy by limiting arbitrary power and protecting citizens' rights.
Correct answer is: It protects rights and prevents abuse of power

Q.10 Which of the following violates the Rule of Law?

A president tried under the same law as a citizen
A judge applying laws equally
A law exempting government officials from punishment
A parliament passing a law after debate
Explanation - Exempting officials creates inequality, which goes against the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: A law exempting government officials from punishment

Q.11 Which institution mainly enforces the Rule of Law?

The military
The judiciary
The legislature
The executive
Explanation - The judiciary ensures that laws are applied fairly and equally, making it central to enforcing the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: The judiciary

Q.12 Which of these best represents 'government under law'?

The government can ignore the courts
The government follows the constitution
The government rules by decrees only
The government acts without accountability
Explanation - Under the Rule of Law, governments must abide by the constitution and legal principles.
Correct answer is: The government follows the constitution

Q.13 Which country’s legal system strongly influenced the British concept of Rule of Law?

France
United States
Ancient Rome
China
Explanation - Roman legal traditions deeply influenced European and British law, shaping the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Ancient Rome

Q.14 What is the opposite of Rule of Law?

Judicial review
Rule of men
Separation of powers
Due process
Explanation - Rule of Law contrasts with the 'Rule of men', where leaders act with unchecked power.
Correct answer is: Rule of men

Q.15 What does 'due process of law' mean under the Rule of Law?

Government can punish without trial
People must be treated fairly under legal procedures
Parliament can bypass courts
Police can act without warrants
Explanation - Due process ensures fair legal procedures, a cornerstone of the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: People must be treated fairly under legal procedures

Q.16 Which famous American document reflects Rule of Law principles?

The Federalist Papers
The U.S. Constitution
The Monroe Doctrine
The Emancipation Proclamation
Explanation - The U.S. Constitution is built upon the Rule of Law, ensuring limited government and citizens’ rights.
Correct answer is: The U.S. Constitution

Q.17 What role does judicial independence play in the Rule of Law?

It allows judges to make laws
It prevents unfair influence on judges
It removes the legislature’s role
It makes courts unnecessary
Explanation - Judicial independence ensures that judges apply law fairly, free from political or external pressure.
Correct answer is: It prevents unfair influence on judges

Q.18 Which of the following principles is linked to Rule of Law?

Arbitrary rule
Checks and balances
Divine right of kings
Unlimited sovereignty
Explanation - Checks and balances ensure no branch of government exceeds its power, supporting the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Checks and balances

Q.19 Which UN declaration emphasizes Rule of Law globally?

Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Charter of the League of Nations
Treaty of Versailles
Kyoto Protocol
Explanation - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights stresses equality before the law, central to the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Q.20 Why is predictability important under Rule of Law?

It lets rulers change laws anytime
It ensures people know legal consequences
It makes laws secret
It allows judges to rule arbitrarily
Explanation - Predictability in law helps people act within legal boundaries with certainty.
Correct answer is: It ensures people know legal consequences

Q.21 What ensures accountability under the Rule of Law?

Independent judiciary
Military authority
Unlimited executive power
Censorship
Explanation - An independent judiciary holds leaders accountable, a key feature of the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Independent judiciary

Q.22 Which philosopher’s idea of 'social contract' supports Rule of Law?

Plato
Rousseau
Aristotle
Machiavelli
Explanation - Rousseau’s social contract theory emphasized governance based on laws and equality, influencing Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Rousseau

Q.23 Which is a violation of Rule of Law in elections?

Equal voting rights
Transparent counting process
Arbitrary disqualification of candidates
Independent election commission
Explanation - Unjust disqualification undermines equality and fairness, violating Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Arbitrary disqualification of candidates

Q.24 Which of these reflects Rule of Law in modern constitutions?

Emergency powers without limits
Judicial review of government actions
Exemptions for the wealthy
Unwritten orders of rulers
Explanation - Judicial review ensures that all actions comply with the law, supporting the Rule of Law.
Correct answer is: Judicial review of government actions

Q.25 What is the Rule of Law’s impact on human rights?

It weakens rights
It protects and enforces rights
It removes all freedoms
It prevents courts from acting
Explanation - Rule of Law is essential to uphold and protect fundamental human rights.
Correct answer is: It protects and enforces rights