This excerpt is often referred to as the "equal protection clause" of the constitution and is directly tied to the constitutional principle of
a) judicial review.
b) national supremacy.
c) checks and balances.
d) popular sovereignty.

The excerpt that is often referred to as the "equal protection clause" of the Constitution and is directly tied to the Constitutional principle is that of checks and balances.

Explanation:

The term 'equal protection' used here refers to the authority exercised by all three branches of the government which is believed to be equal to that of each other. Each branch functions to keeps a check on the functioning of the other branch and hence, there is equal protection exercised.