What principle is most associated with preventing governmental tyranny through defined limitations?

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The principle most associated with preventing governmental tyranny through defined limitations is limited government. This concept emphasizes that governmental power should be restricted by law to protect individual liberties and prevent abuse of authority. A limited government operates under a framework that delineates the extent and reach of governmental powers, ensuring that no single entity or individual can wield unchecked authority. This principle aligns with the foundational ideas of modern democracy, where the rights of the people are safeguarded from potential overreach by the state.

In contrast, popular sovereignty reflects the idea that governmental authority derives from the consent of the governed, while separation of powers refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to mitigate concentration of power. Checks and balances involve mechanisms that allow each branch of government to limit the powers of the others, thus ensuring that no one branch becomes too powerful. While these principles contribute to a system of governance that protects against tyranny, limited government is directly focused on defining and constraining government powers to preserve individual freedoms.