ABSTRACT
The rule of law is an important concept about government and governing. The “rule of law” is often defined as a government of laws and not men. The origin and development of this idea is summarized and connected to American government. Political and legal philosophy articulate rule of law as an important government foundation, and there are a number of interpretations of what this phrase means. Commonly accepted principles of government under the rule of law are presented here. Finally, this entry discusses some challenges and extensions of the rule of law ideal.
