Which principle holds that government powers are restricted to protect individual rights?

The principle of Limited Government is fundamental to the structure of American governance, as it asserts that governmental powers should be confined by law to safeguard the individual rights of citizens. This concept is rooted in the belief that a government's authority is derived from the consent of the governed and that it must operate within a framework that respects and protects individual liberties.

By limiting government powers, this principle ensures that no individual or group can exploit the state to infringe upon the rights of others. The U.S. Constitution embodies this principle, outlining specific powers granted to the government while explicitly reserving numerous rights for the people, such as those found in the Bill of Rights. This approach aims to prevent tyranny and safeguard personal freedoms, creating a system that prioritizes the individual's place in society.

The other principles mentioned—Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Popular Sovereignty—play essential roles in the functioning of the government as well, but they do not specifically focus on the limitation of government powers to protect individual rights. Instead, they contribute to a balanced government structure and the representation of the people's will.