The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. © 2015 Benchmarks SS.7.C.1.9 Define the rule of law and recognize its influence on the development of the American legal, political, and governmental systems. Rule of Law Ruling rulers since 1215 RULE OF LAW

What is the Rule of Law? No one is above the law Everyone must follow the law The law applies to everyone We are a country of laws, not of men –W–What does that mean to you? RULE OF LAW

Where did Rule of Law originate? The Rule of Law was first found in Magna Carta, 1215 This document, signed by King John, stated that even the king had to follow the laws.

The Rule of Law is a system when the following four universal principles are upheld: 1.The government and its officials and agents as well as individuals and private entities are accountable under the law. 2.The laws are clear, publicized, stable, and just; are applied evenly; and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property. 3.The process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, fair, and efficient. 4.Justice is delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.

The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. © 2015 The Principle of the Thing Principle 1 Principle 2Principle 3Principle 4 Accountability to the law Transparency of institutions Fair procedures Enforcement of the law Decisions based on the law Consistent application Transparency of institutions The Rule of Law has a huge impact on our government officials and institutions, from how they are held accountable (responsible) to how decisions are made to how laws are enforced! Four Principles of the Rule of Law

The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. © 2015 Rule of Law LIBERTY PROTECTION EQUALITY STABILITY ACCOUNTABILITY Government and the People TYRRANY The Rule of Law protects us from tyranny (corrupt government) and is the foundation of liberty!

Rule in Reality Each person will receive a handout about the Rule of Law in a specific country. In the top corner, you will see a letter. Find the other person who has that letter. Using the handout provided, you will compare your countries based on the questions in the chart on Handout B. Working together, complete the chart provided.

Explaining the Handout Your country’s ranking This is a 0 to 1 scale. The closer a country gets to 1, the more closely the Rule of Law is followed. The closer the purple line gets to the outside, the more closely the Rule of Law is followed. You will use all of these factors to compare/contrast your countries in your chart.

The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. © 2015 Checking for Understanding