What constitutional principle was upheld in Korematsu v. US?

The correct answer focuses on the principle of rights during wartime, as highlighted in the Korematsu v. United States case. This Supreme Court decision, issued in 1944, upheld the government's decision to intern Japanese Americans during World War II under the justification of national security. The ruling reflected the sentiment at the time that in the face of war, certain individual rights could be curtailed for what was perceived as the greater good and safety of the nation.

The court concluded that the need to protect against espionage outweighed the individual rights of Japanese Americans, which raised significant questions about civil liberties during times of national crisis. While subsequent historical analysis and legal interpretations have criticized this decision, the principle that governmental powers may expand or contract based on wartime circumstances was indeed a key aspect of the ruling.

This decision has been debated in terms of its implications for civil rights and the balance between liberty and security, making it a pivotal moment in understanding how the Constitution can be applied differently in times of war.