What is the “rule of law”?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers.

• Everyone must follow the law.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.

Our explanation

The rule of law means everyone must obey the law. This includes leaders and the government. The Founders did not want a President who could act like a king and ignore the law.

Remember it

From the President to you: everyone follows the law. No one is above the law.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (One Nation, One People, M-1175) p. 15, 24: “no one is above the law, and everyone must follow the law.” … “the President would be above the law and could become a king or queen.”

• Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (2008 version), rev. 08/21 (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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