The list below describes several characteristics of the American legal system. Fair procedures Accountability of officials to written rules Legal decisions based on written rules Rules are known to everyone and applied consistently What has been an important long-term impact of these characteristics? American leaders have periodically been able to increase their power. Americans have enjoyed unlimited individual rights even when these endanger the safety of others. There have been no limits to the power of the majority of citizens expressed in national elections. Individual rights have been protected against arbitrary actions by government officials.