Final answer:
Checks and balances relate to the rule of law through mutual promotion of limited government and prevention of power abuse. They establish defined powers for each branch of the government, ensuring a system of shared governance and legal equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of checks and balances is intricately related to the rule of law as both concepts are designed to prevent the concentration of power which can lead to abuse. Checks and balances is a system where each branch of the government can exercise some control over the others, thereby ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful. This system complements the rule of law, which asserts that all actions by individuals and governments are subject to law, that is fairly applied and enforced. When these mechanisms function effectively, they establish and uphold a government that is limited and accountable to its citizens. The concept of limited government is central to both checks and balances and the rule of law, as they both aim to protect individual rights and maintain order within society. Consequently, correct answer to the question about how the principle of checks and balances relates to the rule of law, is d. Both a and b. They promote limited government and help prevent the abuse of power, and they establish that each branch of government has definitive powers, ensuring a system of shared governance and legal equality.