Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?
A
A committed judiciary
B
Centralization of powers
C
Elected government
D
Separation of powers
Correct answer
Explanation
Separation of powers is the best safeguard of liberty because it establishes a system of checks and balances that prevents any single branch of government from exercising absolute power or infringing upon individual rights. While an elected government (Option C) is a prerequisite for democracy, it is not a sufficient safeguard on its own as it can lead to a "tyranny of the majority" without structural restraints. The core concept being tested is constitutionalism, which seeks to limit the powers of the state to protect the freedom of its citizens.
Political TheoryLiberty and GovernanceLibertyLiberal democracySeparation of powersCommitted judiciaryCentralization