Describe three historical or modern examples of when there was an absence or breakdown of the rule of law?

1) Boston Tea Party- This event took place in the United States on December 16, 1773. There was an absence of law in this scenario, as the American colonists boarded a British ship and destroyed millions of dollars worth of tea. This was a result of the British government implementing the Tea Act without the consent of the American colonists.

2) Shay's Rebellion- This rebellion of American farmers who were upset with the economic problems they faced after the American Revolution showed how the Articles of Confederation, America's constitution at this time, were highly ineffective. Essentially, this event showed that the federal government had no real power to stop rebellions under the Articles of Confederation.

3) Haymarket Square Riot- This 1886 event in the US saw individuals organizing for better working conditions. However, this event turned violent when an unidentified individual threw a bomb into the middle of a crowd. As a result, policemen opened fire and eight different people were killed.