What ensures the government is held accountable in a democracy?

In a democracy, an independent judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring that the government is held accountable. The judiciary operates separately from the executive and legislative branches, allowing it to make impartial decisions based on the law rather than political pressure. This independence ensures that government actions can be scrutinized and challenged in court, providing a check on powers that may overstep legal boundaries or violate citizens' rights. By interpreting laws and delivering justice, the judiciary safeguards democratic principles, ensuring that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law.

In contrast, the other options contribute to the democratic system in different ways. Regular election frequency allows citizens to choose their representatives and hold them accountable for their performance; however, it does not directly intervene in government actions after elections. Political parties' popularity can influence elections and policy but is not a formal mechanism for accountability. Media control, when present, often undermines accountability instead of ensuring it; for a democracy to thrive, a free press must operate without censorship to investigate and report on government activities.