If the government does not protect rights, what happens to democratic legitimacy?

Correct answer: It can become weak

Direct answer: A. Democratic legitimacy means that people regard government authority as rightful and acceptable, not merely as power imposed on them. Rights are central to this acceptance because they show that the government respects citizens, follows constitutional limits and allows lawful criticism or remedy. The logic is: failure to protect rights causes insecurity or unfair treatment; citizens may lose trust; reduced trust weakens the belief that government is acting legitimately. B is wrong because violating rights cannot automatically increase legitimacy. C is wrong because rights protection directly affects public trust and acceptance. D is wrong because legitimacy is broader than the work of an election commission; it also depends on constitutional conduct between elections. A says “can become weak,” which is appropriately cautious because the degree of damage may vary. Memory cue: authority becomes legitimate through constitutional respect and citizens’ trust, not through power alone.