What was a primary demand of the colonies regarding representation?

The primary demand of the colonies regarding representation was the principle of "no taxation without representation." This slogan emerged as a key grievance among the American colonies in response to British policies, particularly those that imposed taxes without the colonies having any representatives in the British Parliament. Colonists believed it was fundamentally unjust to be taxed by a government in which they had no voice or vote. The demand for representation was tied to the broader ideals of self-governance and political rights, and it galvanized colonial opposition to British taxation measures such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts.

The other options do not accurately reflect the colonies' main concern at the time. While equal rights for all citizens, immediate independence, and taxation based on population are significant historical issues, they do not capture the specific grievance that sparked widespread unrest and ultimately contributed to the revolutionary movement. The focus on representation illustrated the colonists' desire for a say in their own governance and financial contributions, setting the stage for the political changes that followed.