What principle asserts that the law applies equally to everyone?

The principle that asserts the law applies equally to everyone is the rule of law. This foundational concept emphasizes that no individual is above the law, regardless of their position or status in society. It ensures that laws are applied fairly and consistently, serving as a safeguard against arbitrary governance. The rule of law promotes justice and accountability by requiring that all individuals, including government officials, adhere to the same legal standards and processes.

Other concepts mentioned, like separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism, are important principles that support governance and maintain a balanced system of power but do not specifically focus on the equality of individuals under the law. Separation of powers divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent the concentration of power, checks and balances ensure that no branch becomes too powerful, and federalism divides power between national and provincial or state governments. While these concepts can enhance the justice system, they do not directly address the equal application of law itself.