1. Rule of Law Ruling rulers since 1215 RULE OF LAW
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.
Ruling rulers since 1215
RULE OF LAW

2. 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
What does that mean to you?
Explain the definition of the Rule of Law.
*A teacher in St. Lucie County has a yard stick hanging above her classroom door with “RULE OF LAW” written on it so when her students pass under it, they are reminded that no one is above the law.

3. 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.
Review Magna Carta as the source of the Rule of Law.

4. Magna Carta video from the British Museum
Click the image to view the British Library’s video!

5. The Rule of Law is a system when the following four universal principles are upheld:
The government and its officials and agents as well as individuals and private entities are accountable under the law.
The laws are clear, publicized, stable, and just; are applied evenly; and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property.
The process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, fair, and efficient.
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.
Provide students with Handout A. This handout will outline the above principles and provide students with some key phrases. Students will need to match the key phrases to the principle it most closely aligns with.
From the World Justice Project -

6. The Principle of the Thing
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
Principle 1
Principle 2
Principle 3
Principle 4
Accountability to the law
Transparency of institutions
Review the students’ handout using this slide of the PowerPoint. Have students explain the concepts they placed in each section. If students have misplaced a concept, have them rationalize why they believed that concept fit under a given principle.
Decisions based on the law
Consistent application
Fair procedures
Enforcement of the law
Consistent application
Transparency of institutions

7. Government and the People
Rule of Law
TYRRANY
The Rule of Law protects us from tyranny (corrupt government) and is the foundation of liberty!
LIBERTY
PROTECTION
EQUALITY
STABILITY
ACCOUNTABILITY
Explain to students that the people set up governments to protect our basic rights. Placed under the rule of law, liberty, protection, equality, stability, and accountability are able to grow. If the Rule of Law is overshadowed, those things disappear and tyranny, or abuse government, is able to take hold.
Government and the People

8. 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.
Explain the Rule in Reality project.

9. 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.
Have the students briefly explain the main similarities and differences in their countries. Which branch of government was rated the highest for maintaining the rule of the law? The lowest? Which fundamental right was the most upheld? The least?
You will use all of these factors to compare/contrast your countries in your chart.

10. Checking for Understanding