Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of l

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

A committed judiciary
Centralization of powers
Elected government
Separation of powers
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
The correct answer is D) Separation of powers.
– In a liberal democracy, the principle of separation of powers ensures that governmental powers are divided among distinct branches (legislative, executive, and judicial), preventing the concentration of power in any single entity. This system of checks and balances limits the potential for arbitrary rule and protects individual liberties.
– A committed judiciary (A) is essential for upholding liberty, but it is a critical component *within* the framework of separation of powers.
– Centralization of powers (B) is generally detrimental to liberty, leading towards potential authoritarianism.
– An elected government (C) is fundamental to democracy, but without constitutional limits and separation of powers, even an elected body can infringe upon liberties (e.g., tyranny of the majority).
– Thus, separation of powers is considered the foundational principle that best safeguards liberty by distributing authority and establishing checks and balances.
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