The map highlights the interplay of state-level power (federalism) and individual rights (civil liberties) regarding capital punishment. Both principles shape the complex legal landscape reflected in the data.
Thus, the correct option is C.
The two constitutional principles most relevant to the data shown in the map are C. separation of powers and civil liberties.
Separation of powers is the principle that the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) should be distinct and have separate powers. This is relevant to the map because the death penalty is a legal issue that all three branches of government have had a role in shaping. The legislative branch passes laws that make certain crimes capital offenses, the executive branch carries out executions, and the judicial branch reviews the constitutionality of both the laws and the execution process.
Civil liberties are the basic rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to, as protected by the Constitution. The death penalty is a controversial issue because it raises questions about the right to life, cruel and unusual punishment, and the fairness of the legal system. The map shows that there is a geographical divide in the United States on the issue of the death penalty, with some states having no capital punishment and others having it in place for a variety of crimes.
The other options are less relevant:
Checks and balances is a related concept to separation of powers, but it is not as directly applicable to the issue of the death penalty.
Judicial review is the power of the courts to strike down laws that they find to be unconstitutional. While judicial review has been used in some death penalty cases, it is not the main principle at issue in the map.
Natural rights are the rights that all people are born with, such as the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are not mentioned in the Constitution, but they have been used to argue against the death penalty. However, the map does not focus on the natural rights arguments for or against the death penalty.
Therefore, C. separation of powers and civil liberties are the two constitutional principles most relevant to the data shown in the map.