Which principle allows citizens to participate in the electoral process?

Suffrage is the principle that allows citizens to participate in the electoral process by granting them the right to vote. This principle is foundational to democratic governance, as it empowers individuals to have a say in how they are governed and to influence decisions that affect their lives and communities. Suffrage encompasses not just the act of voting but also the broader civil rights movements that have historically fought to expand voting rights to marginalized groups, ensuring that the electoral process is representative of the entire population.

Equal protection under the law guarantees that all individuals are treated equally and cannot be denied the right to vote based on discriminatory practices. While this principle is essential for ensuring fair treatment in elections, it is suffrage that specifically designates the ability to vote as a right. Due process pertains to the legal procedures that must be followed in judicial actions, and while it affects many aspects of citizens’ rights, it does not directly relate to electoral participation. Judicial review grants courts the power to assess the constitutionality of legislative actions, influencing the political landscape but not directly providing citizens with electoral rights. Thus, suffrage remains the central principle that directly enables citizen participation in elections.