01 How does freedom of expression increase accountability in democracy?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. It allows citizens to peacefully criticise the government
Explanation: Direct answer: Option A is correct. Freedom of expression allows citizens to share views, question decisions, report problems, and peacefully criticise the government. This creates accountability because elected or public officials know that their actions can be examined by citizens, journalists, opposition groups and courts. The reasoning is: citizens have a right to express concerns; public discussion exposes mistakes or misuse of power; criticism creates pressure to explain and correct decisions; therefore government becomes answerable. Option A works because peaceful criticism is a normal democratic method of scrutiny. Option B is wrong because freedom of expression is not permission to break laws, threaten people or commit violence; lawful limits can apply. Option C is wrong because expression does not close courts; an independent judiciary remains important. Option D is wrong because expression does not make elections unnecessary; elections and public discussion support each other. Memory cue: free speech lets people ask, “Why did the government do this?”—that question is accountability.