The idea behind "the rule of law" is that it is laws based on logical reasons and clear th

inking that should govern social life. "We live under a rule of law, not of men. "American teachers tell their students. The students accept the idea. They believe that" no man is above the law, "and that laws apply equally to all people" no matter how wealthy they are, what their personal connections are, or what their stations in life are. Their faith in the rule of law explains the belief many Americans held, and many foreigners could not understand, that President Richard Nixon should be removed from office as a result of his behavior. in connection with what was called" Watergate Scandal (水门事件)". Nixon had broken the law and therefore should be punished, Americans believed, even if he was the President.

The belief in the rule of law goes beyond the area of politics to other areas of life that are governed by formal rules and procedures. To get a job with government institutions, for example, or to get government funding for a research project, one must follow published procedures and show that one meets the published requirements. Personal connections are not supposed to matter under the rule of law.

This is not to say that personal contacts, wealth, and social influence do not matter in situations where laws and rules are to be obeyed. They may, what is said above describes the ideal with which Americans agree. In reality, connections can sometimes help a person get a government job. Rich people can sometimes go unpunished for illegal behavior. that poor people would be likely to be punished for. But in general the rule of law prevails, and Americans are proud that it does.

The word "stations" (Line 5 , Para 1) is closest in meaning to______.

A．stages

B．situations

C．successes

D．social positions