Explain five (5) factors that limit the powers of government.

Answer Details

The powers of government are limited by a number of factors, explained below:

1. The constitution: A written constitution spells out and defines the powers of each arm of government and prohibits it from acting beyond its lawful authority, thereby restraining government.
2. Separation of powers: Dividing governmental powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary, with each acting as a check on the others, prevents any single arm from becoming too powerful.
3. Fundamental human rights: The entrenched rights of citizens, such as freedom of speech, association and personal liberty, set boundaries that government may not lawfully cross.
4. The judiciary and judicial review: An independent judiciary can declare the actions and laws of government null and void where they are unconstitutional, thus limiting governmental power.
5. Public opinion: The organised views of the people, expressed through the press, elections and protests, compel government to act within acceptable limits.
6. Pressure groups and the mass media: These expose abuses, mobilise opinion and put pressure on government to be accountable and restrained.
7. Periodic elections: The knowledge that they must face the electorate at regular intervals restrains those in power from abusing their authority.