What does the passage imply about citizens in relation to democratic institutions? Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage:
Democracy is often praised as the system most capable of protecting personal liberty. Safeguarded by constitutional guarantees and upheld through the rule of law, freedoms of speech, faith, association, and conscience are commonly viewed as defining features of democratic rule. Yet an equally essential element—though less openly emphasized—is responsibility, without which liberty can slide into disorder, division, or even an authoritarian reaction. In a democracy, freedom is not boundless; it functions within shared limits and civic self-restraint. The right to disagree is fundamental, but when expression is used to spread hate, falsehoods, or inflammatory propaganda, it no longer strengthens democracy. Responsibility therefore means thinking deliberately about the impact of one’s actions—not only whether they are legal, but whether they are ethically and civically sound. The real difficulty lies in balancing liberty with accountability in diverse societies. Because democracies contain varied cultural, political, and economic groups, they naturally become spaces of disagreement. In such settings, responsibility requires more than obedience to law; it calls for empathy, reasoned judgment, and dedication to the common good. A citizen’s freedom to protest, for instance, must be exercised with respect for public order and the rights of others. Likewise, the right to vote must be matched by a duty to choose wisely, not driven by prejudice, populist manipulation, or misinformation. This strain between liberty and responsibility becomes most visible during crises—whether a pandemic, communal violence, or constitutional conflict. In such moments, prioritizing individual freedom over collective safety can be disastrous. Refusing basic precautions in a health emergency or circulating unverified claims during unrest shows how unchecked freedom can weaken democratic strength. Moreover, democracy does not sustain itself automatically; it depends on alert citizens who understand that rights endure only through participation and ethical use. When responsibility disappears, democratic institutions become vulnerable from within. Demagogues often gain ground not only because governments fail, but because citizens become indifferent or misuse democratic freedoms. Thus, freedom and responsibility are not rivals in a working democracy; they reinforce each other. Protecting liberty requires citizens capable of ethical thinking, informed debate, and constructive dissent. Without responsibility, freedom can shift from a force for justice into a source of fragmentation. Democracy survives not merely through laws, but through the civic character of its people.

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1. **Passage point:** It says democracy depends on "alert citizens" and the "civic character of its people."

2. **Participation:** It says rights last only through citizen participation and ethical use.

3. **Risk if citizens fail:** It warns that when responsibility disappears, institutions become vulnerable and demagogues gain ground.

4. **Conclusion:** So citizens are essential to maintain and protect democracy.

FINAL_ANSWER: c

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