Rule of law prevents which behaviour?

Correct answer: Arbitrary rule

Direct answer: Option C, arbitrary rule. Rule of law means that government must act according to known laws, apply them equally, respect rights, and follow fair procedures. It prevents officials or rulers from deciding only according to personal wishes, prejudice, anger, or convenience. Reasoning: a just decision follows law; equal protection follows law; respect for rights follows law; arbitrary rule ignores these safeguards and makes power unpredictable; therefore arbitrary rule is the behaviour opposed by rule of law. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because a just decision is supported by rule of law. Option B is wrong because equal protection is a result of law applying fairly. Option D is wrong because respecting rights is a requirement and outcome of rule of law. The key contrast is rule by law-based standards versus rule by personal will. Memory cue: rule of law stops “because I say so” government.