Which concept emphasizes the balance between government authority and individual freedoms?

The concept that emphasizes the balance between government authority and individual freedoms is due process. Due process refers to the legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person. It ensures fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement. The essence of due process is to protect individuals from arbitrary actions by the government, thereby safeguarding individual liberties while still allowing the government to exercise its authority in a lawful manner.

The idea is that while the government has the power to enact laws and maintain order, it cannot do so at the expense of an individual's fundamental rights. Due process is embedded in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which mandates that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This creates a vital balance between the role of the government and the rights of the individual.

In relating to the other concepts, the Equal Protection Clause addresses the need for individuals to be treated equally under the law, but it does not focus specifically on the balance of authority and freedoms. Social justice concerns the fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society and is broader than just the scope of government authority. First Amendment rights specifically protect freedoms related to speech,