Understanding Core Political Concepts & Authority

Fundamental Political Concepts

Source of Political Power:

Investigating how, when, and why the first human communities developed a clear division between rulers and ruled.

Legitimacy:

The question of whether a phenomenon is positive or negative, and if it is worthwhile to maintain and improve, regardless of its historical origin. Not all political power is legitimate, just as not every form of football play is correct. In both cases, criteria are needed to distinguish legitimate from illegitimate forms.

Institution:

An established organization or system, often with the ability to enact laws, regulate for the public, and levy mandatory taxes or fees.

State:

The result of the transition from the state of nature into a society organized by a social contract. It is the modern form of society organizing a monopoly on force and punishment, and has evolved into an institution.

Civil Society:

The collective of individuals and organizations that share common laws and organized forms of life, distinct from the state.

Types of Political Authority

• Charismatic Authority: Based on the personal characteristics and qualities of the leader or chief.
• Traditional Authority: Where the guarantee of power rests with customs and tradition.
• Rational-Legal Authority: Where power is justified by legal procedures and established rules.

Moral Standards:

Those that have a universal requirement, as they dictate how everyone should behave to act humanely.

Legal Rules:

Rules established by authorities within each political community, applicable to all inhabitants of the territory.

Justice:

When we ask whether a rule is right or wrong, we are considering a moral issue. To address such questions, we need to clarify our standards of social justice and draw upon various theories of justice.

Social Contract:

An explanation of the origin of society through an agreement or contract between the rulers and the people.

State of Nature:

The hypothetical original state in which individuals lived before forming organized society.