What increases the legitimacy of major decisions in a democracy?

Correct answer: Discussion and consensus

Direct answer: A is correct. Legitimacy means that people accept a decision as proper, justified, and made through an acceptable process. In a democracy, important decisions gain legitimacy when representatives discuss them openly, examine their effects, listen to different viewpoints, and try to reach agreement or follow a recognised decision-making procedure. Discussion allows reasons and objections to be considered, while consensus shows that the decision has wider support. A is therefore correct. B is wrong because secrecy prevents public examination and can reduce trust, except where limited confidentiality is genuinely necessary. C is wrong because a personal order does not represent collective democratic decision-making or accountability. D is wrong because a rumour has no guaranteed evidence, authority, or lawful procedure. A decision can still be debated after disagreement, but democratic discussion makes its basis clearer and strengthens acceptance. Memory cue: legitimacy grows through “public reasoning,” not private command.