Which principle ensures that no one is above the law?

The principle that ensures no one is above the law is the Rule of Law. This concept is fundamental in democratic societies, stating that all individuals, institutions, and entities are accountable to the same set of laws that are fairly enforced and independently adjudicated. Under the Rule of Law, laws apply equally to everyone, regardless of status, power, or position. This principle is crucial for maintaining order, protecting individual rights, and preventing abuses of power by ensuring that legal frameworks govern both government actions and individual conduct.

In contrast, while the other principles like Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Federalism play important roles in the structure and function of government, they do not directly address the notion of equal accountability under the law. Separation of Powers divides government into different branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power, Checks and Balances ensure that each branch can limit the powers of the others, and Federalism delineates the division of power between national and state governments. However, none of these principles specifically establish the foundational idea of law applying equally to all members of society.