Any type of restricted franchise is a violation of the principle of ________

1. Analyze the question The question asks which principle is violated when the right to vote (franchise) is restricted. Restricted franchise means that only some people can vote, for example based on gender, property, education, or ethnicity.

2. Explain the concept

• Franchise (suffrage) is the right to vote in elections.
• Universal adult suffrage means every adult citizen who meets basic requirements (age, sound mind, citizenship) can vote.
• Restricted franchise limits voting to certain groups. Examples include women being barred from voting in Northern Nigeria before 1979, or voting being limited to property owners.
• Political equality is the principle that every citizen has equal political rights, including "one man, one vote."

3. Step-by-step solution

• A. Constitutionalism is the idea of government according to the constitution and rule of law. A restriction can be written into a constitution, so it doesn't necessarily violate this.
• B. Sovereignty is the supreme power of the state. Restricting the vote doesn't directly violate this.
• C. Political equality means all citizens have equal rights to participate in politics. A restricted franchise denies some people that right, so it is a direct violation.
• D. Editorial commentary is about newspaper opinion and is irrelevant.

4. Answer The correct option is C. political equality.

5. Exam tip Link keywords to concepts: "franchise" or "voting rights" points to equality and universal adult suffrage. If an option has nothing to do with government, like "editorial commentary," eliminate it immediately.