What does the rule of law signify in American governance?

The rule of law is a foundational principle in American governance that emphasizes that all individuals, organizations, and institutions, including the government itself, are subject to the laws of the land. This principle ensures that laws apply equally to everyone, thereby promoting fairness, accountability, and justice. It prevents arbitrary governance and helps protect individual rights by ensuring that laws are applied consistently and impartially.

The notion that all citizens are governed by law equally reinforces the democratic ideal that no one is above the law, which is fundamental to maintaining public trust in legal and governmental systems. This equality before the law supports the idea of equal protection under the law as established in the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which further illustrates the commitment to a justice system that is fair and unbiased.

In contrast, indicating that law applies only to government officials, that laws can change without notice, or that certain laws do not apply to certain groups undermines the principle of fairness and equality that is central to the rule of law. These alternatives imply a selective enforcement of laws or an arbitrary legal system, which contradicts the core tenets of a democratic society founded on the rule of law.