Question

The characteristic feature of traditional liberal theory of democracy includes which of the following?
A. All individuals are naturally equal.
B. The government should respect public verdict
C. Every individual should get freedom and rights
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint:: Liberal democracy is often called Western democracy. It is a form of representative democracy with characteristics of elections, rule of law, the government etc. It is usually codified in a constitution. During the twentieth century, it started becoming a predominant form of government across the globe.

Complete answer:
Liberal democracy is a representative form of government wherein the elected representatives (usually via universal adult franchise) participate in the decision making process. They are subjected to the rule of law. Hence, all individuals are naturally considered to be equal before law as each citizen is guaranteed rights and freedoms by the Constitution which has been codified. After the elections take place, it is expected that the government to-be, and the previous government respects the verdict of the people who elected them.
Liberal democracies are also characterized by tolerance and pluralism, differing social and political views. Even those perceived as extremist are permitted to co-exist and compete for political power on a democratic basis. The elections are periodically held, and usually considered to be free and fair. Many democracies tend to use federalism in order to keep a check on the government, and the political institutions.
Another aspect includes the concept of ‘loyal opposition.’ In essence, the term means that the representatives of the democracy share common commitment to its values, even if they choose to disagree with each other every now and then.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: The term "liberal" in "liberal democracy" does not mean that the government must follow the political ideology of liberalism. It is merely a reference to the initial framework for modern liberal democracy, created during the Age of Enlightenment by philosophers used to advocate liberty. They believed in the rights of the individual to have immunity from the relentless exercise of authority.