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

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

(Youcat answer - repeated)  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 1901) If authority belongs to the order established by God, "the choice of the political regime and the appointment of rulers are left to the free decision of the citizens" (GS 74 § 3). The diversity of political regimes is morally acceptable, provided they serve the legitimate good of the communities that adopt them. Regimes whose nature is contrary to the natural law, to the public order, and to the fundamental rights of persons cannot achieve the common good of the nations on which they have been imposed.   

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 1902) Authority does not derive its moral legitimacy from itself. It must not behave in a despotic manner, but must act for the common good as a "moral force based on freedom and a sense of responsibility" (GS 74 § 2): A human law has the character of law to the extent that it accords with right reason, and thus derives from the eternal law. Insofar as it falls short of right reason it is said to be an unjust law, and thus has not so much the nature of law as of a kind of violence (St. Thomas Aquinas, STh I-II, 93, 3, ad 2).

(The next question is: When does an authority act legitimately?)