During a revolution against European rule, a Latin American leader wrote the following passage. Which Enlightenment principle does the writer say his
people currently lack?
We have been harassed by a conduct which has not only
deprived us of our rights but has kept us in a sort of
permanent infancy with regard to public affairs. If we could
at least have managed our domestic affairs and our
internal administration, we could have acquainted
ourselves with the processes and mechanics of public
affairs.
A. Social equality
B. Separation of powers
C. Reason and observation
D. Popular sovereignty

The correct answer is D. Popular sovereignty

Explanation:

Popular sovereignty is a political doctrine in which government and other political and administrative decisions derive from citizens. This usually implies citizens elect representatives and have a great influence on politics.

This principle is the one people lack in the passage because the author describes people who cannot manage public affairs "has kept us in a sort of  permanent infancy with regard to public affairs". This means people are not deciding over government or internal administration and therefore there is no popular sovereignty.

adjective. unreasonably obstinate; obstinately not moving: a stubborn child. fixed or set in purpose or opinion; resolute: a stubborn opponent of foreign aid.