Final answer:
Limited liability of shareholders is a general rule of corporate law that protects shareholders from personal liability for the debts and obligations of the corporation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is 2) limited liability of shareholders. The concept of limited liability is a fundamental principle of corporate law. It means that shareholders are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation beyond the amount they have invested in it.
This protection allows shareholders to take risks in investing in the corporation without risking their personal assets.