What major principle does the requirement for government to follow established laws represent?

The requirement for government to follow established laws embodies the principle of the rule of law. This principle asserts that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law and must abide by it. It implies that laws are applied equally and fairly, ensuring that no one is above the law. The rule of law is foundational to a functioning democracy, as it provides a framework that protects individual rights and maintains order within society.

In contrast, federalism refers to the division of power between national and state governments, while judicial review is the power of courts to examine the actions of the legislative and executive branches and determine whether they are constitutional. Popular sovereignty emphasizes the idea that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people. Each of these principles plays a crucial role in the governance of a society, but the specific relationship to established laws and their enforcement is most accurately captured by the rule of law.