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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2021
Elections & Electoral System
Question No. 10Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q10. Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?

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

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2021 • Polity

Correct Answer: Option (D) — Separation of powers

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

The doctrine of separation of powers (propounded by Montesquieu) ensures that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches check and balance one another. This prevents the concentration of absolute power in any single authority, thereby acting as the most effective structural safeguard of individual liberty in a liberal democracy.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021 (Q10)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicPolity → Elections & Electoral System
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Separation of powers

Related & Repeated Prelims PYQs (2)

Questions from other UPSC Prelims years testing the same or closely linked concept.

View Cluster in 3D Graph
2018 • Q3484% Match

Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship between law and liberty?

Polity • Constitution & AmendmentsSolve
2019 • Q3384% Match

In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?

Polity • Constitution & AmendmentsSolve

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2021 Q10

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper I Question 10 (Polity)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2021 Polity (Elections & Electoral System) question is Option (D): "Separation of powers". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2021 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Polity" and micro-topic "Elections & Electoral System". You can explore all repeated questions from Elections & Electoral System in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Elections & Electoral System UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Elections & Electoral System questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

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