Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 325 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 325 – Part I. What is the basis for authority in society?

(Youcat answer)  Every society relies on a legitimate authority to ensure that it is orderly, cohesive, and smoothrunning and to promote its development. It is in keeping with human nature, as created by God, that men allow themselves to be governed by legitimate authority.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1897) "Human society can be neither well-ordered nor prosperous unless it has some people invested with legitimate authority to preserve its institutions and to devote themselves as far as is necessary to work and care for the good of all" (John XXIII, PT 46). By "authority" one means the quality by virtue of which persons or institutions make laws and give orders to men and expect obedience from them.   

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Of course an authority in society must never originate in the raw usurpation of power but must have legitimacy under law. Who rules and what form of government is appropriate are left to the will of the citizens. The Church is not committed to particular forms of government but only says that they must not contradict the Common Good. 

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 1899) The authority required by the moral order derives from God: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment" (Rom 13:1-2; cf. 1 Pet 2:13-17).

(This question: What is the basis for authority in society? is continued)