Final answer:
Modern liberals do support liberal and representative forms of democracy, which include safeguarding minority rights, balancing governmental powers, and emphasizing elected representatives' decision-making on behalf of the people.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modern liberals typically support liberal and representative forms of democracy. The answer to the student's question is Yes. Liberal and representative democracies are rooted in the belief that elected representatives are tasked with making decisions on behalf of the people, aligning with the principles of democratic liberalism. This form of governance addresses concerns that direct democracy may lead to the 'tyranny of the majority' by safeguarding minority rights through the counter-majoritarian power of the courts, and by promoting a mixed government structure that balances the power of the judiciary, legislature, and executive.
In the 20th century, democratic liberalism became predominant, particularly in industrialized nations where the ideology endorsed capitalism, individual rights, and equal treatment, within a democratic framework using elected representatives. Thus, democratic liberalism is synonymous with support for representative democratic processes in political discourse.