UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 90: Polity and Governance
Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Liberty is best safeguarded when power is divided among the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, so that each checks the others and no single body can act arbitrarily. This is the principle of separation of powers. Centralisation concentrates power, and a government that is merely elected can still turn arbitrary without checks. A committed judiciary suggests loyalty to one side rather than independence.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: a committed judiciary lacks independence, which liberty needs.
- (b) Wrong: centralising power endangers liberty.
- (c) Wrong: an elected government can still abuse power without checks.
- (d) Right: separation of powers prevents concentration and abuse of power.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.