Which principle of the Constitution ensures that no one is above the law?

The principle that ensures that no one is above the law is known as the rule of law. This foundational concept means that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law and must abide by it. It is essential for maintaining justice and protecting individual rights, as it prevents arbitrary governance and promotes accountability. The rule of law is fundamental in a democratic society, ensuring that laws are applied equally and fairly to all citizens.

The other principles mentioned do have their own important roles in the structure of the government. Checks and balances are designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by allowing each branch to restrain the powers of the others. Separation of powers creates distinct divisions within the government—executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent any one body from wielding too much authority. Popular sovereignty refers to the idea that government derives its power from the consent of the governed, highlighting the role of the people in the democratic process. However, none of these principles specifically articulates the idea that everyone, regardless of status, is held accountable to the same laws, which is the essence of the rule of law.