Which of the following are the defining features of liberal democracy

Which of the following are the defining features of liberal democracy ?

  • 1. Constitutional government based on formal, usually legal, rules
  • 2. Guarantees of civil liberties and individual rights
  • 3. It invests political authority with potentially unlimited power

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
The correct answer is B, which states that 1 and 2 are the defining features of liberal democracy.
Liberal democracy is characterized by a constitutional government based on formal rules and the protection of civil liberties and individual rights. It specifically avoids concentrating unlimited power in any single authority or branch of government, relying instead on principles like the rule of law, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
Statement 1 is correct because a constitutional government based on formal rules is fundamental to liberal democracy, ensuring predictable governance and limiting arbitrary power. Statement 2 is correct as the guarantee of civil liberties and individual rights is a core principle distinguishing liberal democracy from other forms of government. Statement 3 is incorrect; liberal democracy is defined by limitations on government power to protect individual freedoms, not by investing unlimited power.