Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?
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Answer: D. Separation of powers keeps the legislature, executive and judiciary distinct, so no single body holds all power. This check stops abuse and best protects liberty in a liberal democracy.
Watch for: An elected government sounds democratic, but liberty needs limits on power, not just elections.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because a 'committed' judiciary suggests loyalty to the government, which weakens liberty.
- B. Wrong because centralisation of power threatens liberty.
- C. Wrong because an elected government can still abuse power without checks.
Source to check: NCERT Class 11, Political Theory, Chapter 2 Freedom; Montesquieu, The Spirit of the Laws
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.