Q.What is the role of the state in upholding freedom of its citizens?
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The state's role in freedom is double-edged: an authoritarian state is itself a major source of constraint, while a democratic state is considered an important safeguard of freedom — and even a democratic state's restrictions must stay within reasonable, proportionate limits.
Restrictions on an individual's freedom can come from domination and external control, imposed by force or through laws backed by the power of the state — this was exactly the form constraint took under colonial rule or under apartheid. Some form of government may be unavoidable in any society, but the crucial difference lies in what kind of government it is: if it is a democratic one, its citizens retain some control over their own rulers, through elections and accountability, which is precisely why democratic government is considered an important means of protecting people's freedom rather than merely restricting it. …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.