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Limited Governmental Powers
Taylor E. Brabson
Helms School of Government, Liberty University
CJUS200: Introduction to Criminal Justice
Professor Linda Venturo
January 27, 2025
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Limited Governmental Powers
A just and impartial society is built on the government’s adherence to limited powers,
and the protection of constitutional rights. The framers of the Declaration of Independence (US
1776) contended that all individuals are created equal and are endowed with unalienable rights—
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—by their Creator. They are not established to deny
these rights but to secure them, and from the consent of the governed receive their power (Bohm
& Haley, 2021, ch. 3). In Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, 597 U.S. 507 (2022), the
Supreme Court reviewed whether a high school football coach’s First Amendment rights had
been violated when he was reprimanded for praying on the field postgame. This case best
illustrates the conflict between individual rights and governmental power, and the necessity of a
limited government to defend rights such as free speech and religious practice.
The Supreme Court ruled for Kennedy, stating that his prayers were of a private religious
nature which the First Amendment protects (Kennedy v. Bremerton, 2022). The decision was
significant in that it reinforced constitutional rights by stressing that while people have the right
to exercise their religion, they have no right to force it upon the government. This decision
establishes a precedent of how public entities and government organizations should monitor and
prevent unnecessary restrictions on personal freedoms, without infringing upon individual rights
(Bohm & Haley, 2021, ch. 4). In agreeing with Kennedy, the Court preserved the notion that the
government can prohibit employees from engaging in certain religious practices, but it cannot
punish them for expressing their religion.
From a biblical perspective the ruling is consistent with the biblical principles of justice
and the sanctity of human life. Genesis 1:27 says that all people are made in God’s image, thus it
is important to defend the freedoms that are central to human dignity (NIV). Believers are called
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to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8), which means that the actions of
governments should be fair and right. These values are further reflected by the ruling that
defends Kennedy’s right to express his faith, in that justice includes allowing people to honor
God in their individual freedoms.
The case of Kennedy v. Bremerton School District focuses on how the government’s
limited powers enable the realization of constitutional freedoms. The case, however, underscores
the need to balance individual rights with the powers of government, as enshrined in the
Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bible. Preserving these rights is a
way of achieving justice and preserving the core values of this nation (Bohm & Haley, 2021, ch.
3).
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References
Bohm, R. M., & Haley, K. N. (2021).BIntroduction toBcriminaljusticeB(10th ed.). Columbus,
OH: McGraw-Hill Custom.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/ B
Jefferson, T. (1776).BThe Declaration of Independence. Retrieved from
https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/133/historic-american-documents/4957/the-declaration-of-
independence/B
Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, 597 U.S. 507 (2022)
