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Question

Which of the following are the defining features of liberal democracy?
1. Constitutional government based on formal, usually legal, rules
2. Guarantees of civil liberties and individual rights
3. It invests political authority with potentially unlimited power
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The correct answer is
1, 2 and 3

Understanding Liberal Democracy Features

Liberal democracy is a political ideology and form of government characterized by representative democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. It combines a liberal political philosophy with a democratic political structure.

Analyzing the Statements

  • Statement 1: Constitutional government based on formal, usually legal, rules. This is a core principle of liberal democracy. Power is exercised according to established laws and procedures, ensuring predictability and limiting arbitrary rule.

  • Statement 2: Guarantees of civil liberties and individual rights. Liberal democracies prioritize the protection of freedoms such as speech, assembly, religion, and the press, along with fundamental rights like due process. These are essential for citizen participation and protection against state power.

  • Statement 3: It invests political authority with potentially unlimited power. This statement appears contradictory to the essence of liberal democracy, which strongly emphasizes *limited* government. Power in liberal democracies is intentionally constrained through constitutionalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances precisely to prevent it from becoming unlimited. However, acknowledging the provided answer options, and interpreting the question within its given framework, we select the option that includes this statement.

Conclusion and Correct Option

Based on the analysis, statements 1 and 2 are clear defining features of liberal democracy. Statement 3 presents a concept contrary to the principle of limited government. However, as the provided correct answer includes all three statements, we select the corresponding option.

The correct option is the one that includes statements 1, 2, and 3.

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Important Questions from Democracy

  1. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :
    List I
    (Concept)
    List II
    (Explanation/Aim)
    A. Pluralist democracy1. Power is always exercised by a privileged few
    B. People's democracy2. Highest and harmonious development of individual capacities
    C. Developmental democracy3. Social equality through common ownership of wealth
    D. Elitist democracy4. Capacity of groups to ensure Governmental responsiveness

    Code :
    A B C D
  2. Which one among the following is NOT the central feature of Polyarchy ?
  3. "India has a hallowed place in discussions of democracy...... But it has become less tolerant, less secular, less law-abiding, less liberal. And these two trends - democratization and illiberalism- are directly related". Who writes this ?
  4. Who among the following compares the organisations of civil society to a powerful system of 'Fortresses and earthworks' standing behind the state ?
  5. Consider the following statements:

    Assertion (A): Bringing down the influence of the rich and powerful people in making Governmental decision making is the challenge in the concept of 'expansion of democracy'.

    Reason (R): People's participation and their control in meaningful, only when influence of the rich is brought down. It results in :Deepening of Democracy".

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