Rule of Law and Administrative System
The rule of law is an essential part of any modern society and a cornerstone of any administrative system. The rule of law requires that all citizens, regardless of economic status, religion, race, gender, or any other form of discrimination, be treated equally and fairly under the law. It further requires that the laws be applied uniformly, regardless of the identity of the parties involved, and that governmental power is exercised in a non-arbitrary manner. Administrative systems are the systems that are set up by governments to ensure that the law is properly followed and enforced.
In the United States, the Founders wrote the Constitution and developed the establishment of the three branches of government – the legislative, executive, and judicial branches – to provide for a system of checks and balances. This was an attempt to ensure that no one branch could abuse its power and run roughshod over the rights of citizens. The Constitution and its underlying rule of law grants to citizens certain inalienable rights and sets out a basic framework for our government and legal system. In addition, the Founding Fathers established the Secretary of the Treasury in 1789 to lead the treasury in the conduct of fiscal or financial matters. Through this role, the Secretary of the Treasury has the responsibility for administering the revenue laws of the United States, collecting taxes, and providing government liquidity.
The same rule of law applies when it comes to administrative law. Administrative law is a body of law covering the organization, procedures, and powers of administrative agencies, as well as a body of law concerning the relationship between the government and individual citizens and businesses. Administrative law is a very broad category and covers areas such as labor law, tax law, international law, food and drug law, insurance law, and natural resources law. Administrative law covers the duties and responsibilities of administrative agencies as well as the rights of citizens as these agencies carry out their responsibilities. It covers the establishment of procedures for adjudication and how those procedures are carried out.
The rule of law is necessary to ensure that our government and legal systems remain fair and impartial and that any abuse of power by our government or its agents is checked. The success of the rule of law requires both the knowledge of legal principles and the honesty to adhere to them. Therefore, it is imperative that those in positions of power respect the rule of law and not use it to further their own interests. As a result, it is essential that our government, its agencies, and legal systems strive to uphold the highest standards of impartiality and justice as they exercise their duties and responsibilities.
