The correct response is:
They believed it was important to allow people some voice in their government, but wanted to ensure the right people maintained power.
Early American political leaders sought to balance democratic principles, which emphasize popular participation and representation, with republican structures that ensure a system of checks and balances, thereby preventing any one group from gaining too much power. This reflects their intent to create a stable government that included input from the populace while also protecting against potential tyranny of the majority.