Read the Catechism in a Year
Day 239 - Authority in Society
What is the basis for authority in society?
Every society relies on a legitimate authority to ensure that it is orderly, cohesive, and smooth-running 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.
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.
When does an authority act legitimately?
An authority acts legitimately when it works for the sake of the common good and applies just methods of attaining the goals thereof.
The people in a State must be able to rely on the fact that they live under a “government of laws”, which has rules that are binding for all. No one is obliged to obey laws that are arbitrary and unjust or that contradict the natural moral order. In that case there is a right, or in some circumstances even the duty, to resist. (YOUCAT questions 325-326)
Dig Deeper: Corresponding CCC section (1897-1904) and other references here.
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