After he was blamed for Russia’s military losses during WWI, the tsar’s popularity continued to fall because of

Tsar Nicholas II’s decision to take personal command of the Russian army tied him to its military failures. While he was away, Tsarina Alexandra relied heavily on Rasputin, whose influence over court appointments and government decisions damaged the monarchy’s reputation. Therefore, Rasputin’s influence on Alexandra is the best answer; widespread shortages also worsened discontent, but choice C does not identify the specific political scandal asked about.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.