UPSC Prelims 2021·GS1·polity-and-governance·governance

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

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AA committed judiciary
  2. BCentralization of powers
  3. CElected government
  4. DSeparation of powersCorrect

Explanation

The separation of powers is considered the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy because it divides governmental authority into distinct branches—the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary—each with its own functions and powers. This division prevents the concentration of power in a single entity, thereby limiting the potential for arbitrary rule and abuse of authority. By establishing a system of checks and balances, it ensures that each branch can constrain the others, thus protecting individual freedoms and preventing tyranny.
polity-and-governance: Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?

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