Which of the following best describes limited government?

Limited government is best defined as a system in which the government's powers are restricted, often by a constitution or legal framework, to protect individual liberties and ensure personal freedoms. This concept emphasizes that the government should not interfere excessively in the daily lives of citizens and should only provide basic functions such as national defense, law enforcement, and the administration of justice.

By focusing on minimal government intervention, this approach prioritizes personal autonomy, allowing individuals the freedom to make choices regarding their own lives, businesses, and property with the least amount of regulation or oversight. This principle is rooted in the belief that excessive government control can lead to tyranny and infringe upon individual rights.

The other choices present ideas that do not align with the concept of limited government. For instance, extensive government involvement in all aspects of life signifies a more expansive governmental role, which contradicts the idea of limitation. Similarly, government control over all private enterprise indicates a totalitarian or socialist structure, far from the notions of limited government. Lastly, a complete absence of government removes the essential functions that guarantee security and justice, which are necessary for societal order.