What does the rule of law state?

The rule of law is a fundamental principle that asserts that all individuals and entities, including the government itself, are accountable to the law. This means that everyone, regardless of their position or power, must adhere to the same legal standards. This concept is vital in ensuring fairness and justice within a society, as it prevents arbitrary use of power and promotes equality before the law.

This principle helps to maintain social order and trust in legal systems by ensuring that laws are applied consistently to all. In contrast, the other options present inaccurate interpretations: the notion that only the government must follow the law undermines the fairness expected under the rule of law; stating that laws are only for citizens excludes non-citizens from legal protections and the obligations of law; and the idea that judges can override laws misrepresents the role of judges, who are meant to interpret and apply laws, not disregard them.