The term, rule of law means

1. Analyze the question The question asks what "rule of law" means. This is a core concept in Government (a principle of democracy and constitutionalism).

2. Explain the concept The rule of law, popularized by A.V. Dicey, has three main principles:

• Supremacy of the law: no one is above the law, and no one can be punished except for a breach of law established in court.
• Equality before the law: every person, whether ordinary citizen or government official, is subject to the same laws and the same courts.
• Fundamental rights protected by the courts: individual rights are secured through the legal system.

3. Solution, option by option

• A. Nobody is above the law. This is correct. It expresses the supremacy of the law, so even the President, governors, and the police must obey it.
• B. Everybody is equal before the law. This is also correct. It is Dicey's principle of equality before the law.
• C. We are being governed by lawyers. This is wrong. The rule of law has nothing to do with lawyers ruling. It concerns the law governing everyone, including those in power.
• D. A and B above. Since both A and B are correct, this is the most complete answer.

4. Answer The best answer is D.

5. Exam tip When you see an "A and B above" option, test each statement separately. If both are true, choose that combined option. For rule of law questions, remember "Supremacy + Equality": nobody is above the law, and everybody is equal before it.