Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2021 · Polity and Constitution · Question 90

Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?

  1. A committed judiciary
  2. Centralization of powers
  3. Elected government
  4. Separation of powers

Answer

Separation of powers

(a) A committed judiciary — Not the best safeguard. In a liberal democracy, judiciary must be independent and impartial, not "committed" to an ideology or government.
(b) Centralization of powers — Incorrect. Concentration of power threatens liberty; liberal democracy prefers limited government and checks.
(c) Elected government — Necessary but not sufficient. An elected government can still become majoritarian or arbitrary without institutional restraints.
(d) Separation of powers — Correct. Liberty is best protected when legislature, executive, and judiciary check each other, preventing abuse of power.

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