What may occur when governments lack legitimacy?

When governments lack legitimacy, it can lead to a range of significant societal issues, including both increased crime rates and a loss of public trust.

A government is considered legitimate when its authority is accepted by the governed; this acceptance is often rooted in perceptions of fairness, justice, and the rule of law. When legitimacy wanes, individuals may feel less inclined to follow laws and regulations that seem unjust or are perceived as being enforced arbitrarily. This disconnect can lead to increased crime rates as individuals may resort to illegal means of addressing grievances or seeking what they perceive as justice.

Moreover, a loss of public trust can manifest in various ways, such as citizens becoming disillusioned with political systems, leading to apathy, civil unrest, or even political extremism. When people no longer believe that their government operates in their best interest or that it is capable of enforcing laws fairly, social order can deteriorate.

Overall, the combined effects of these issues underline why a lack of legitimacy can have profound implications for society, making "all of the above" the comprehensive answer to the question.