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

1. A

   A committed judiciary

   Committed judiciary. ‘Committed’ is the opposite of independent.

2. B

   Centralization of powers

   Centralization. A threat to liberty, not a safeguard.

3. C

   Elected government

   Elected government. Necessary but can still be elective tyranny.

4. D

   Separation of powers

   Separation of powers. The liberal-democratic check: legislature, executive, judiciary not fused.

Summary. Official key is (d). In a liberal democracy the best listed safeguard of liberty is separation of powers — not a ‘committed’ court, a concentrated executive, or elections alone.