Question

heres what george mason (and anti - federalist) thought of the role of vice president: \that unnecessary officer the vice - president, who for want of other employment is made president of the senate, thereby dangerously blending the executive and legislative powers...\ which of the following principles does his complaint demonstrate? popular sovereignty separation of powers rule of law checks and balances limited government

Explanation:

The principle of separation of powers divides government responsibilities into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. George Mason's complaint about the Vice - President (an executive - branch - related position, as the Vice - President is part of the executive under the President) being made the president of the Senate (a legislative - branch body) shows a concern about the blending of executive and legislative powers. This directly relates to the separation - of - powers principle, which aims to keep these powers distinct.
Popular sovereignty is about the authority of the government being created and sustained by the consent of its people. The rule of law is about the law being supreme and governing all. Checks and balances is about each branch having some control over the others (e.g., the president vetoing legislation, the Senate confirming appointments). Limited government is about the government having only the powers granted to it. None of these other principles directly address the blending of executive and legislative functions as Mason's complaint does.

Answer:

separation of powers