I have heard that the metaphysical "Rule of Law" of republicanism is (historically) a relatively recent American-promoted phenomenon. That the rule of law sits above all men, and serves an ideal eternal justice that the "justice system" objectively and blindly applies to all citizens. Europeans and the English always understood legislation and punishment comes from whoever is in power, not from some ephemeral force of law and order. It's not a bad idea because it limits the rights of kings and inspired the written Constitution, but the collective poison of Democracy strengthens the myth because it makes us believe FDR's lie of "We are all the government!" Whereas the founders assumed every couple generations the people would revolt and reform the government when the rulers got out of hand.