Which scenario would be a violation of limited government?

A scenario involving exceeding constitutional powers is a clear violation of limited government because limited government operates under the principle that governmental authority is restricted by law. The concept hinges on the idea that the powers of government should be confined to those granted by the Constitution or other foundational legal documents. When a government exceeds these defined powers, it undermines the rule of law and the framework intended to protect individual rights and liberties from governmental overreach. Thus, acting beyond what is constitutionally permitted violates the essence of limited government, which seeks to balance authority and personal freedoms effectively.

In contrast, providing checks on branches of government, upholding individual rights, and enforcing laws equally all align with the principles of limited government, as they serve to ensure that no branch exceeds its authority and that citizens are treated fairly under the law.