Legitimate authority

Definition

Legitimate authority refers to the recognized and accepted power that an individual or institution holds, which is viewed as rightful by the governed. This concept is crucial in understanding the foundations of political systems, as it distinguishes between mere power and the morally justified exercise of that power, connecting deeply with ideas about social contracts and civil disobedience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Legitimate authority is often derived from consent, where individuals agree to be governed in exchange for protection and order.
2. The concept is central to social contract theorists like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, each proposing different foundations for what makes an authority legitimate.
3. Legitimacy can be challenged through civil disobedience when citizens feel that their government acts immorally or unjustly.
4. Legitimate authority does not imply infallibility; it recognizes that authorities can be wrong or corrupt but maintains that their power is justified under certain conditions.
5. The distinction between de facto and de jure authority is important; de facto refers to actual power held, while de jure pertains to legally recognized authority.

Review Questions

• How does the idea of legitimate authority relate to social contract theory?
  • Legitimate authority is foundational to social contract theory as it emphasizes the agreement between individuals and their government. The social contract posits that people consent to surrender some freedoms to an authority in exchange for security and order. If that authority acts unjustly or without consent, then its legitimacy can be questioned, leading to a breakdown in the social contract.
• In what ways can civil disobedience serve as a challenge to established legitimate authority?
  • Civil disobedience challenges legitimate authority by highlighting instances where power is exercised unjustly or immorally. When citizens engage in civil disobedience, they are asserting that the laws or actions taken by those in power are not justifiable under moral standards. This act can force a reevaluation of what constitutes legitimate authority, prompting discussions about moral versus legal obligations.
• Evaluate the implications of political obligation in relation to legitimate authority and societal stability.
  • Political obligation relates directly to legitimate authority as it encompasses the responsibility of citizens to obey laws created by recognized powers. When legitimacy is upheld, political obligation fosters societal stability and cooperation. However, if citizens believe that their government lacks legitimacy—due to corruption or injustice—this obligation may weaken, leading to potential unrest and challenges to established power structures. Thus, maintaining legitimate authority is essential for sustaining political obligation and societal cohesion.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theoretical agreement among individuals to form a society, surrendering some freedoms for social order and protection by a governing authority.

Political Obligation: The moral duty of citizens to obey the laws of their state, arising from the legitimacy of the authority that creates those laws.

Civil Disobedience: A form of nonviolent protest against unjust laws or government actions, asserting that legitimate authority must respect moral standards.