Civics Test Question 13: What is the rule of law?

A question from the 2025 civics test, with the answers USCIS publishes and our explanation.

Translation

What is the rule of law?什么是法治？¿Qué es el estado de derecho?

Official answers

Any one of these is correct.

Everyone must follow the law.人人都必须守法。Todos deben cumplir la ley.
Leaders must obey the law.领导人必须守法。Los líderes deben obedecer la ley.
Government must obey the law.政府必须守法。El gobierno debe obedecer la ley.
No one is above the law.任何人都不能凌驾于法律之上。Nadie está por encima de la ley.

Explanation

The rule of law means everyone must follow the law, including leaders and the government itself. No one is above the law, which keeps power from being abused.

Memory tip

💡 Easiest to remember: No one is above the law.

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