The defining features of liberal democracy are:

1. Constitutional government based on formal, usually legal, rules: This means that liberal democracy operates under a constitution, which is a set of fundamental principles that establish the framework for government and define the rights and responsibilities of citizens. These rules are usually written down and serve as the foundation for the functioning of the political system.

2. Guarantees of civil liberties and individual rights: Liberal democracy places a strong emphasis on protecting the rights and liberties of individuals. This includes freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. These guarantees ensure that citizens have the freedom to express themselves and participate in the political process without fear of persecution or discrimination.

3. Limited political power: The correct answer provided, 2, states that liberal democracy does not invest political authority with potentially unlimited power. In a liberal democracy, power is divided and limited through checks and balances, separation of powers, and constitutional provisions. This prevents any one individual or group from having absolute control over the government and ensures accountability.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 2: 1 and 2 only. Option 3 (2 and 3 only) is incorrect because liberal democracy does not invest political authority with potentially