If rule continues without people's consent which argument in favour of democracy will weaken?

Correct answer: Democratic legitimacy

The correct answer is B: democratic legitimacy. Legitimacy means that people regard a government’s authority as rightful and acceptable. In a democracy, that authority is connected to the people’s consent. Reasoning step by step: citizens participate and express approval through democratic procedures; representatives receive power from that public choice; without consent, rule may continue by force or habit, but its democratic basis becomes weak; therefore democratic legitimacy is the argument weakened by rule without consent. Option A is wrong because corruption may become more likely or less likely, but the question is about the basis of rightful authority. Option B is correct because legitimacy directly depends on public consent. Option C is wrong because slow decision-making concerns speed, not the source of authority. Option D is wrong because leader expertise does not itself create popular approval. Exam cue: consent is the foundation of legitimacy.