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Q70 (IAS/2021) Polity & Governance › Constitutional Basics & Evolution › Separation of powers Official Key

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

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 4: Separation of powers.

In a liberal democracy, the Separation of Powers (Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary) is the most fundamental safeguard for individual liberty. It ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing any single branch from exercising absolute authority or becoming tyrannical.

  • Why Option 4 is correct: By distributing power, it limits the potential for the arbitrary exercise of authority. As Montesquieu argued, when legislative and executive powers are united, there can be no liberty.
  • Why Option 1 is incorrect: A "committed" judiciary often implies commitment to the ruling party's ideology rather than the Constitution, which undermines judicial independence.
  • Why Option 2 is incorrect: Centralization concentrates power at the top, which is the antithesis of liberty and leads to authoritarianism.
  • Why Option 3 is incorrect: While an elected government represents the people, it can still result in a "tyranny of the majority" without structural restraints like the separation of powers.
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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy? [A] A committed judiciary [B] Cent…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 7.5/10 · 2.5/10
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This is a classic 'First Principles' question derived from Political Theory (NCERT Class XI). It tests conceptual clarity, not facts. The trap is Option A ('Committed' implies biased/subservient in Indian political history, not 'dedicated'). It rewards understanding the *function* of institutions (checking power) rather than just their existence.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does a committed judiciary constitute the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Independence of Judiciary > p. 125
Presence: 5/5
“Simply stated independence of judiciary means that • ± the other organs of the government like the executive and legislature must not restrain the functioning of the judiciary in such a way that it is unable to do justice.• ± the other organs of the government should not interfere with the decision of the judiciary.• ± judges must be able to perform their functions without fear or favour. Independence of the judiciary does not imply arbitrariness or absence of accountability. Judiciary is a part of the democratic political structure of the No fisticuffs please, this is rule of law! READ A CARTOON”
Why this source?
  • Defines judicial independence as freedom from interference so judges can perform without fear or favour — a core condition for safeguarding liberty.
  • Emphasises that other branches must not restrain judicial functioning, implying an independent judiciary can check arbitrary power.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > JUDICIARY AND RIGHTS > p. 139
Presence: 4/5
“Many people think that this feature enables the judiciary to protect the Constitution effectively and also to protect the rights of citizens. The practice of entertaining PILs has further added to the powers of the judiciary in protecting rights of citizens. 139 I think I'd rather become a judge! Then, I won't have to worry about elections and public support, and can still have really lots of power.”
Why this source?
  • Notes that judiciary protects citizens' rights and that Public Interest Litigation has expanded its ability to protect rights.
  • Links judicial practice (PILs) directly to increased powers in defending liberty and access to justice.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive > The Judiciary — Role of Checks and Balances > p. 154
Presence: 4/5
“The Judiciary is the branch of government that is responsible for interpreting and applying the laws of the land, including in specific cases of disputes. The Judiciary functions through a system of courts and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the democratic nature of society and governance. The Judiciary acts as the custodian of the Constitution, ensuring that all branches of the government operate within the principles and parameters enshrined in the Constitution. It keeps a check on the effective functioning of society and institutions of the government by interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and safeguarding fundamental rights. The Constitution not only describes how the Legislature and Executive are given power to govern the country, but it also lists the specific responsibilities of these organs.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the judiciary as custodian of the Constitution, ensuring all branches operate within constitutional principles.
  • Frames the judiciary’s role in checking other organs and resolving disputes as pivotal to maintaining democratic governance and rights.
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