The correct answer is (d). Separation of powers is the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy. This is because it prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and abusing its power. The separation of powers is achieved by dividing the government into three branches: the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch. Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities, and no one branch can override the others. This system of checks and balances helps to ensure that no one person or group can become too powerful and that the rights of the people are protected.
(a) A committed judiciary is important for upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of the people. However, a committed judiciary is not enough to safeguard liberty in a liberal democracy. The judiciary must be independent from the other branches of government, and it must be able to act without fear or favor. This can only be achieved if the judiciary is separated from the other branches of government.
(b) Centralization of powers can be dangerous for liberty. When too much power is concentrated in the hands of one person or group, there is a risk that that person or group will abuse its power. This is why it is important to have a system of checks and balances in place to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
(c) Elected government is important for ensuring that the people have a say in how they are governed. However, elected government is not enough to safeguard liberty in a liberal democracy. The people must also have the right to hold their elected officials accountable. This can only be achieved if the people have access to information about their government and if they have the right to protest and to petition for change.
In conclusion, the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy is a system of government that separates the powers of the government into three branches and that provides for checks and balances between the branches. This system of government is known as the separation of powers.