UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

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

Correct Answer

Separation of powers

Explanation

Separation of powers among the legislature, executive and judiciary prevents concentration of authority and provides checks and balances, making it the best safeguard of liberty. A 'committed' judiciary undermines independence, and centralisation of powers threatens liberty.

Topics: liberal democracy, political theory, polity & governance, separation of powers and liberty