the "rule of law" is the law which says that government can only legally use its power in a way the government and the people agree on. it limits the powers a government has, as agreed in a country's constitution. the "rule of law" prevents dictatorship and protects the rights of the people. when leaders enforce the legal code honestly, even on themselves and their friends, this is an example of the rule of law being followed. "the rule of law", wrote the ancient greek philosopher aristotle in 350 bc, "is better than the rule of any individual."