What basic principle is referenced in this quote?

checks and balances
separation of powers
federalism
popular sovereignty

it provided for selection of government employees through competitive examinations. it also made it unlawful to fire or demote covered employees for political reasons or to require them to give political service or payment, and it set up a civil service commission to enforce the law.

explanation:

the right answer for the question that is being asked and shown above is that: "their policy of "divide and rule" pitted political groups against each other to keep any one group from becoming too powerful.  " the  participant in european imperialism is being described below is that  their policy of "divide and rule" pitted political groups against each other to keep any one group from becoming too powerful.