How are limited and unlimited governments different?

Limited Government

In the United States, the powers of government are limited. A limited government is a constitutional government. A limited government makes sure that leaders of government do not misuse the powers they have been given. It insists that all people, including people in authority such as the president and members of the congress, obey the laws. A limited government has effective controls over the power of people in authority and protects the rights of individuals.

Unlimited Government

An unlimited government includes authoritarian and totalitarian governments. Under authoritarian systems, all power is concentrated in one person or a small group. People who live under an authoritarian system do not have an effective way to restrain the power of the rulers. Totalitarian governments regulate every part of the lives of individuals.

An unlimited government is a non-constitutional government. An unlimited government does not have effective controls over the power of its rulers. The people in authority cannot be easily removed from office by peaceful and legal means.