17. Which of the following best summarizes the principle of representative government fought for in the American Revolution? Leaders are elected every four years. The legislature makes laws for the people The people elect leaders to act on their behalf. Political power is separated among three branches.

## Step 1<br />The question is asking for the principle of representative government that was fought for during the American Revolution. The American Revolution was a struggle for independence and the establishment of a new government that was different from the British monarchy. The colonists wanted a government that was representative of the people, rather than a monarchy where the king had absolute power.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided are:<br />- Leaders are elected every four years.<br />- The legislature makes laws for the people.<br />- The people elect leaders to act on their behalf.<br />- Political power is separated among three branches.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The principle of representative government is best summarized by the option "The people elect leaders to act on their behalf". This is because in a representative government, the people elect representatives who act on their behalf in the government. This is different from a monarchy where the king has absolute power.