What is the rule of law?

What does this answer mean?

The rule of law means everyone must follow the law, including leaders and the government itself. USCIS accepts four answers that all say this: everyone must follow the law, leaders must obey the law, government must obey the law, or no one is above the law.

The idea is that the country is governed by laws that apply equally, not by the wishes of whoever holds power. A president, a governor, a police officer, and a private person all have to follow the same laws.

The Constitution builds this in. Article VI requires members of Congress, state legislators, and executive and judicial officers to take an oath to support the Constitution, and the president swears to preserve, protect, and defend it. The courts can decide whether a law goes against the Constitution.

The rule of law also protects people's rights, because laws are public, apply to everyone, and can't simply be ignored by those in power.

The shortest answer to remember is "No one is above the law."