Rule of Law

Explained by Common Craft
This video provides a concise comparison between the rule of man (kings, queens, dictators, etc.) and the rule of law (constitution, bill of rights), and explains why the US and other countries fought wars to enshrine the rule of law.
Embed Download

Explanation Specialists since 2007

- More Info & Transcript

Video Transcript:

In the past, kings, queens, emperors, and dictators could make the rules. Their word was the law. And usually, these laws didn't apply to them. They were often above the laws that everyone else had to obey. They could do nearly anything they wanted with no accountability or fairness. This is called the rule of man, when one person rules everyone, and it often leads to corruption, injustice, and abuse of power. It's great for the ruler and terrible for everyone else. In many societies, frustrated citizens organized, gained power, and demanded a new system. These citizens work together to eliminate monarchs and dictators, sometimes with violence. Their goal was to establish a system that reflected the needs of the people, not royalty. They created new laws that established representative government, independent courts, and equal rights for all. This is the rule of law, and it means that laws rule the people, not individuals. This simple principle changed the world. Entire revolutions, like the French Revolution, were fought to end the rule of man and enshrine the rule of law. The same is true with the American Revolution. Many colonists considered themselves English citizens and came to see king George the third as a tyrant who operated above the law and trampled their rights as citizens. In response, they fought the revolutionary war, declared independence, and built a nation founded on the principle that no one is above the law. For over two hundred and fifty years, America has been ruled by laws and not individuals. Why? Because once someone is above the law, they become a ruler and can force everyone to obey them instead of the law. Their opinions, their personal vendettas, their needs come first. Wars were fought and rulers were eliminated because the rule of man often leads to corruption, oppression, and the loss of rights for everyone. This is why America was founded on the idea that we have no kings. We are ruled by laws, and no one, not even a president, is above the law.

What it teaches:

This video explains the big idea of the “rule of law” and how it compares to the rule of kings and emperors. It will help your audience see the rule of law from a new perspective. It teaches:

  • How laws were made by rulers in the past
  • Why these laws were unfair and led to corruption
  • What it means for a ruler to be above the law
  • Why societies eliminated rulers and fought for the rule of law
  • How America became a country of laws instead of kings
  • Why America has no kings

Video Info:

  • Duration:  02m 30s
  • Captions Available:  Coming
  • Lesson Plan:  Coming
  • Category:  Society
Plans and Pricing

Related Videos - View All Videos

Explain Your Ideas with Cut-outs

Make your next creative project remarkable using our library of 3,388 original, matching visuals.

Download high resolution images to your computer and use them in presentations, documents, training materials, videos and more.

Learn MoreSearch the Library

"I use Common Craft Cut-outs to explain complex concepts and brighten presentations at our company."
- Julie Rieken, CEO, Trakstar and Reviewsnap
Explainer Academy
Develop powerful explanation skills. Learn to create animated explainer videos. 
 
Join Common Craft founder Lee LeFever in online, self-paced courses at the Explainer Academy.

Go To ExplainerAcademy.com

"In a word, the Explainer Academy was delightful, very well executed, and very practical."
- Bill Welter, President, Adaptive Strategies
 

Find the Right Plan for You

Plans and Pricing