Which concept emphasizes that no individual or government is above the law?

The concept that emphasizes no individual or government is above the law is the rule of law. This principle asserts that all members of society, including lawmakers and leaders, must abide by the law and that the law applies equally to everyone. It serves as a foundational aspect of democracy and is crucial for maintaining justice and accountability within a society.

The rule of law promotes the idea that laws should govern a nation, as opposed to being governed by the whims of individual leaders. This timeliness ensures fairness, protects individual rights, and provides a framework within which society operates. By adhering to the rule of law, arbitrary governance is curtailed, and citizens can seek recourse through established legal processes.

In contrast, the other concepts mentioned serve different functions within the framework of government. The social contract refers to the implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain social norms; checks and balances involve the design of governmental systems to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful; and federalism describes the division of powers between national and state governments. While all these concepts relate to governance, it is the rule of law that specifically underscores the principle of legal authority applying equally to all, thereby securing justice and liberty within the framework of governance.