Understanding Political Authority, Law, and Democracy

Legal Policy

These are the rules written and compiled by the political authority; in the event of default, they may use force to impose a penalty and repair the damage.

Social Norms

These are the practices, customs, and traditions that members of a society widely accept, such as modes of dress, hours of work, and food habits.

Civic Responsibility

We are not apolitical. The fact of living in a society or political community implies a responsibility to participate in matters that concern us; we cannot be indifferent to politics or our duties as citizens.

Law

The set of rules governing the form of coexistence within the state, established by political power (e.g., constitutions, regulations, decrees).

Authority

The ability of the law to direct our behavior effectively. Although there are several types of authority, the fundamental policy originates from state laws.

Difference Between Holding and Wielding Authority

• To hold authority: Means to perform it rightfully.
• To wield authority: Means to possess such authority without the right, resulting in fraud and abuse of power.

Moral Authority

This manifests in two fundamental ways:

• The power or ability a person has to control others.
• The recognition or prestige someone earns in a given subject.

Power

A person's ability to influence other people or things. In this sense, power is the capacity to have or do something.

Legitimate Authority

To be a legitimate authority requires two things: that the person has the right to enforce the rules, as well as public recognition of those rules.

Authoritarianism

The abuse of power by a person who holds authority, whether legitimate or illegitimate. It is the exercise of absolute power.

What Is Democracy?

Literally meaning "government by the people," it is a political system in which sovereignty resides in the hands of the citizens. The people hold the power and participate in making decisions that affect everyone. It is generally opposed to monarchy, individual rule, or privileged oligarchy.

Democratic State and International Solidarity

The democratic state must participate and cooperate in all international bodies seeking to protect human rights (such as the UN), fight against global poverty, address environmental problems, and promote peace.