Question

which constitutional principle is fundamental in restricting state authority from infringing upon on individual rights?
a the establishment clause
b the equal protection clause
c the supremacy clause

Explanation:

• Option A: The Establishment Clause (part of the First Amendment) primarily deals with separating church and state, not directly restricting state authority over individual rights in a general sense.
• Option B: The Equal Protection Clause (from the Fourteenth Amendment) requires states to treat all persons equally under the law, which is fundamental in preventing the state from unjustly infringing on individual rights by ensuring equal treatment.
• Option C: The Supremacy Clause establishes that federal law is supreme over state law, mainly addressing the hierarchy of laws, not directly restricting state authority over individual rights.

Answer:

B. The Equal Protection Clause