Assembling the Rule of Law

Audio Transcription

In the United States we created a constitution that ensures no one person or branch of government has unchecked power. It guarantees each person's rights. In this game, photographs representing concepts fall from the top of the screen. When the player presses on the concept, text explaining the concept appears. Each concept relates to one of four pillars of the rule of law or is incorrect. The four pillars are: Separation of Powers The power of the government is divided among three branches—legislative, executive and judicial—to ensure that no one person or branch of government can exercise the power of government to oppress the people. Guaranteed Individual Rights The Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution establish the rights that are guaranteed to the people and limit the power of government with regard to those rights. Due Process of Law The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the US Constitution establish limits on the government's power to search you and your property, to compel you to answer incriminating questions, and to bring criminal charges against you. Equal Protection of the Law The laws apply equally to everyone, rich and poor, powerful and powerless, majorities and minorities. As the player puts the concepts in a stack for each of the principles, it creates a picture of the Ralph Carr building.