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CLSM · Civic Literacy · Progress Check 2
Limited Government
Read the situation. Connect the ideas. Show how you know.
Name ___________________________Class __________ Date __________
01 Recall, then make a connection.
limited government
rule of law
review
An official says a useful program should need no review. Use limited government and rule of law to explain why helpful intentions do not settle whether an action is authorized.
Read the situation.
Limited government means that public officials exercise power within legal boundaries. It does not mean government can never act or that every law must be popular. Constitutions can grant authority, distribute responsibilities, protect rights, and require procedures. A government decision should therefore be examined through several questions: Who has authority? What process is required? What rights are implicated? What review is available if officials exceed their authority?
02 Organize the information.
Sort the checks on power
Each card asks a different question about the fictional decision.
Match each question with its main function.
A. AuthorityB. Required procedureC. Rights and equal treatment
Example
Category letter
1. Does the ordinance authorize this office to inspect the walkway?
2. Was the written explanation delivered?
3. Was the resident given the required appeal opportunity?
4. Was one resident singled out solely for criticizing the official?
5. Does another office, rather than this one, control the requested action?
6. Are similarly situated residents treated under the same stated standard?
Explain one placement using a detail from the example.
CLSM · Civic Literacy · Progress Check 2
What does the evidence show?
Limited Government
The fictional ordinance
A fictional ordinance permits the safety office to inspect public walkways and issue written repair notices. It requires a written explanation and an appeal opportunity before a disputed fine becomes final.
03 Follow the evidence.
Good intentions or a lawful record?
An official says the fine followed the fictional ordinance. You must check the procedure rather than rate the official’s personality.
Select every record directly supporting compliance with the supplied procedure.
A dated notice states the observed hazard and explains the repair requirement.
A delivery record shows that appeal instructions accompanied the notice before the fine became final.
A survey shows that many residents like cleaner sidewalks.
A campaign speech promises strong leadership.
Name the useful records and explain how they answer the claim.
04 Apply the idea.
Read the actual authorization
Which action fits the authority described?
Inspect the walkway, explain a documented hazard, and provide the required notice and appeal information.
Confiscate unrelated private property because the office prefers a faster process.
Treat the official’s personal dislike of a resident as proof of a walkway violation.
Choose a conclusion and explain why it fits the situation.
05 Carry the idea forward.
Write a review memo for Cedar Hall. Identify the authorized action, two limits, and evidence that would help determine whether the decision followed them. Connect your reasoning to limited government.