GCEGovernmentBasic Concepts of Government2023

In which of the following situations is a government most likely to lose its legitimacy?

AWhen it imposes taxes to fund public infrastructure
BWhen it suspends the constitution and rules by decree after a military coupCORRECT
CWhen it declares a state of emergency during a natural disaster
DWhen it negotiates bilateral trade agreements with neighbouring states
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
Legitimacy is the popular acceptance of a government's right to rule, usually grounded in constitutional and legal processes. A military coup that suspends the constitution and imposes rule by decree overthrows the established legal order and lacks the consent of the governed, thereby destroying the basis of legitimacy. The other options represent lawful governmental actions.
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