What makes good governance has been a highly debated question throughout the centuries. Everyone has their own opinion on the matter, but all agree on one thing: the rule of law is paramount to good governance. This blog post will detail the reasons why this is the case.

Rule of law is highly important to good governance for three main reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the democratic process of a given democracy is sound. Secondly, it limits the amount of bureaucratic power possessed by members of the state, minimising any forms of corruption and tyranny. Thirdly, it ensures that the voices of the people are heard clearly and acted upon. 

Democratic process

One of the main reasons the rule of law is important in good governance is the fact that it ensures the democratic process of a given democracy runs smoothly. Rule of law emphasises the importance of a fully functioning democratic process. This is important, as the democratic process is the keystone to producing good governance. It ensures that the voices of each individual are heard and counted. It means bureaucrats have been democratically elected by the people, and therefore must serve them above all else. 

Good governance is impossible without a structured and refined democratic process. It is the rule of law which allows such a process to be integrated as the foundation for a free and fair democratic society. Elected officials must do their part in ensuring they uphold the rule of law. It is the responsibility of ordinary citizens to elect public officials who maintain the rule of law and put the interest of the people before their own self indulgence. If implemented correctly, the democratic process has the highest possible chance of electing a government that strives to better the lives of each and every individual. That is the crux of what good governance is all about – a government that avidly serves those who elected them. 

Rule of law is essential to not only upholding the democratic process, but protecting it from any outside intervention or arbitrary uses of power. This ensures there is no corruption and that the state is fully focussed on putting the interest of the people before their own personal desires and ambitions. Hence, rule of law lays the foundation for the democratic process, which is essential for good governance. 

Bureaucratic power

Rule of law also ensures that bureaucratic power and state control are limited. This is essential for good governance as the state must serve the people above all else. If bureaucrats get their own self interest before that of the people they serve, they are doing society and democracy a massive disservice. It is paramount that the power of bureaucrats is limited in maintaining good governance. Rule of law ensures that this is the case. 

Rule of law decrees that no individual is above the law. An individual’s status and power means nothing under the law, which emphasises the fact that each and every person is equal under the law regardless of who they are and where they come from. This means that bureaucrats receive no privileges for their status. This is crucial to ensuring bureaucrats act in the best interest of those whom they serve. This is of the utmost importance in maintaining good governance. Bureaucrats absolutely must act in the best interests of those they serve. Bureaucrats who put their own self interest first and who believe they are above the law because of their status have no business being anywhere near public office. Rule of law ensures that democracy is protected from these types of bureaucrats. 

Rule of law protects democracy from outside intervention and any arbitrary uses of power. This is of vital importance for ensuring those who are in power have the best interest for those they serve. Rule of law prevents arbitrary forces such as despotism, absolutism, authoritarianism and totalitarianism from terrorizing society. This is important as good governance cannot be met under those conditions. To ensure good governance, it is paramount that bureaucrats are restricted in their power and control. Rule of law makes sure that this is the case. 

Voice of the people

Lastly, to ensure good governance, it is essential that elected officials act as a voice of the people. Rule of law creates the systems and institutions that make sure bureaucrats serve those who elect them. Going back to earlier, a solid democratic framework will ensure that the people get to elect the officials that best represent them. These bureaucrats must serve these people, as rule of law restricts bureaucrats from exercising their power in selfish or unconstitutional ways. Good governance cannot be met if elected officials refuse to be a voice of the people. 

The best public officials are those that represent the people who voted for them. They must act in the best interests of those people above all else. This ensures the state and its citizens are on the same page. The question then becomes, how can a democracy elect public officials that truly represent the people? The answer is through rule of law. The correct implementation of rule of law will ensure the democratic process functions as it is supposed to, through restrictions on bureaucratic power and legitimately elected officials who carry out the wishes of the people. 

It cannot be stressed enough how important the rule of law is in ensuring good governance. It is essential that elected officials are a voice of the people and serve tirelessly for those who elected them. This is a fundamental element of maintaining good governance, and rule of law makes sure these principles come into fruition. Thus, good governance requires elected officials to be a voice of the people and the rule of law ensures this is the case. 

Summary

Rule of law is highly important to good governance for three main reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the democratic process of a given democracy is sound. It also limits the amount of bureaucratic power possessed by members of the state, minimising any forms of corruption and tyranny. Thirdly, it ensures that the voices of the people are heard clearly and are acted upon. 

Rule of law maintains the importance of a democratic process that runs smoothly. This is paramount for good governance as democracy is the system that allows the people to elect the public officials that best represent them and their needs. A sound democratic process gives society the highest possible chance of ensuring good governance. Rule of law is the foundation of democracy.

Rule of law limits and restricts bureaucratic power. This is essential for making sure elected officials serve those who elect them. Good governance cannot be practised if bureaucrats have too much power and control. Rule of law decrees know one is above the law, therefore meaning bureaucrats have no special privileges. This is essential for good governance. 

Rule of law ensures that elected officials are the voice of the people. This is the keystone of good governance, as elected officials are required to serve those who elected them. That is how bureaucrats can make the most beneficial decisions for society. Rule of law makes sure that this is the case.