What principle is established by the Constitution to protect individual rights?

The principle of Rule of Law is fundamentally about ensuring that all individuals, including those in positions of power, are held accountable under the law. This concept is vital for the protection of individual rights, as it establishes that no one is above the law, and that laws are applied consistently and fairly to everyone. This principle fosters a society where citizens are protected from arbitrary actions by the government or individuals, ensuring that their rights are defended and preserved.

In contrast, the other principles listed serve different functions. The Separation of Church and State primarily addresses the relationship between government and religion, ensuring that government does not favor or endorse a particular religion. Popular Sovereignty emphasizes that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed, reflecting democratic ideals. Checks and Balances establish a framework for the distribution of power among different branches of government, designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, but they do not directly speak to the protection of individual rights in the way that Rule of Law does.