Enumerated powers, federalism, separated institutions, rights, elections, and judicial review set different kinds of boundaries. Citizens may agree that power needs limits while disagreeing about where a particular boundary lies.

Follow three questions in order: Who acts? What authorizes the action? Which institution or right can check abuse? Program size alone answers none of them.

Limited government concerns constrained authority, not simply a small budget or weak administration. A government may spend little yet exercise arbitrary power, or administer a large program under statutory limits, judicial review, and protected rights. Evaluate the source, scope, and checks on a power before deciding whether the constitutional value has been honored. Limits can govern both whether an institution may act and how it acts. Congress needs constitutional authority for federal legislation, while an authorized program must still respect rights and lawful procedure. Effectiveness and limitation are therefore compatible: a government can possess substantial capacity within enforceable boundaries.

Video lesson: Political Ideology: Crash Course Government and Politics #35