Question 53 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Polity & Governance

Question

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

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Separation of powers

Strategy: Analyze options for institutional checks on power, focusing on structural mechanisms implied by 'best safeguard of liberty.' Eliminate options that concentrate power or lack independence, such as a committed judiciary or centralization of powers. Recognize that an elected government is insufficient without checks. Identify separation of powers as the unique mechanism preventing the concentration of authority, making it the strongest safeguard.

Key Info: In liberal democracies, liberty is primarily protected through the institutional arrangement of separation of powers, a concept notably advanced by Montesquieu in The Spirit of the Laws. This doctrine divides state power across separate branches—Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary—to ensure that no single entity can monopolize authority. This division enables each organ to serve as a check and balance against the others, reducing the risk of tyranny. The principle is embedded in many democratic constitutions, including the Indian Constitution, and is reinforced by judicial review and the independent functioning of the judiciary.

Other options are less effective for safeguarding liberty:

*   **Committed judiciary:** A judiciary committed to the ruling government instead of the Constitution undermines judicial independence and weakens the protection of rights.
*   **Centralization of powers:** This leads to a concentration of authority, is associated with authoritarian systems, and poses a direct threat to personal liberties.
*   **Elected government:** While foundational to democracy, an elected government does not, by itself, prevent the abuse of power without institutional checks.

Answer

Option A: A committed judiciary

Answer

Option B: Centralization of powers

Answer

Option C: Elected government