Question

which of the following principles did the founders use as part of the basis for the constitution?
○ unlimited state government
○ strong federal government
○ selective equality
○ popular sovereignty

Explanation:

• "Unlimited state government" is incorrect because the Constitution aimed at a balance between state and federal power, not unlimited state power.
• "Strong federal government" is not entirely accurate as the Constitution also respected state powers (it was a federal system with checks and balances, not just a strong federal government).
• "Selective equality" was not a founding principle; the idea of equality in the Constitution was more about popular sovereignty and equal representation in principle (though not fully realized for all groups at the time, the principle of popular sovereignty was key).
• "Popular sovereignty" is a core principle of the Constitution, meaning the government's power comes from the consent of the governed.

Answer:

D. popular sovereignty