Question

authoritarian and democratic governments have different views on the limits of government officials power, including rule of law. the rule of law means that the law is the highest authority in a society. no one, including the government, is above the law. in democratic societies, respect for the rule of law helps ensure equality and limits the abuse of power. in authoritarian governments, the rule of law is often manipulated or ignored. instead, those in power use the law selectively to control society, often for their own personal or political gain. read the examples below. then determine whether each example demonstrates a respect for the rule of law or a manipulation of the rule of law. in australia, the constitution states that laws apply equally to all. separation of powers helps ensure that the judiciary operates independently. in belarus, members of the political opposition and their families are regularly arrested on false charges. they are treated violently in jail and are not given a public trial. in uruguay, the judicial branch operates independently from the executive and legislative branches to help guarantee impartial rulings. in myanmar, the military overthrew a democratically elected government and declared a state of emergency. constitutional protections for the military mean they cannot be investigated or held accountable for their actions.

Explanation:

1. In Australia, equal - application of laws and independent judiciary due to separation of powers show respect for the rule of law as it adheres to the principles of equality and independence.
2. In Belarus, false arrests, violent treatment, and lack of public trials of political opposition are manipulations of the rule of law as it uses the law selectively and unjustly.
3. In Uruguay, the independent operation of the judicial branch to ensure impartial rulings respects the rule of law by upholding the principle of an independent judiciary.
4. In Myanmar, the military overthrowing a democratically - elected government and using constitutional protections to avoid accountability is a manipulation of the rule of law as it subverts the democratic and legal order.

Answer:

• In Australia: Respect for the rule of law
• In Belarus: Manipulation of the rule of law
• In Uruguay: Respect for the rule of law
• In Myanmar: Manipulation of the rule of law