Consider the following statements :
A Constitutional Government is one which
- places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority
- places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
Statement 1 is incorrect: Placing effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority describes an authoritarian or totalitarian state, where the state’s power is supreme and individual rights are subservient to it.
Statement 2 is correct: A core principle of constitutionalism is that the authority of the State is limited by the constitution to safeguard individual liberty and prevent arbitrary rule. This ensures that the government acts within defined boundaries and respects fundamental rights.
– The primary purpose of these limitations is to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms.
– It stands in contrast to unlimited or arbitrary government.