Farmers were at a disadvantage in the late 19th century. Crop prices were falling, they were mistreated by railroad companies, and industrialization was changing the nature of the US economy to become less agriculture-based.
Farmers pursued several strategies to improve their situation. They formed many organizations to support their cause, such as the National Farmers Alliance, and a party to represent their interest called the Populist Party. They also lobbied for tougher legislation on railroads and banks, to stop what they felt were monopolistic practices by companies in these industries.
The rule of law is the restriction of the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws. It is the authority and influence of law in society, especially when viewed as a constraint on individual and institutional behavior. The rule of law influenced the creation of the US government because it created a framework for American government, establishing three separate branches so that each branch would be independent and balanced among the others. These branches were the legislative, judicial, and executive. The legislative branch of government contains the parliament - the body with the legislative power to make laws, the judicial branch is in charge of deciding the meaning of laws, how to apply them to real situations, and whether a law breaks the rules of the Constitution, and the executive branch carries out and enforces laws.
Miranda v. Arizona. Supreme Court held that criminal suspects must be informed of their right to consult with an attorney and of their right against self-incrimination prior to questioning by police.