order

PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE 405. What is the foundation of the authority of society? 1897-1902 1918-1920 Every human community needs a legitimate authority that preserves order and contributes to the realization of the common good. The foundation of such authority lies in human nature because it corresponds to the order established by God. 406. When is authority exercised in a legitimate way? 1901-1904 1921-1922 Authority is exercised legitimately when it acts for the common good and employs morally licit means to attain it. Therefore, political regimes must be determined by the free decision of their citizens. They should respect the principle of the “rule of law” in which the law, and not the arbitrary will of some, is sovereign. Unjust laws and measures contrary to the moral order are not binding in conscience. 407. What is the common good? 1905-1906 1924 By the common good is meant the sum total of those conditions of social life which allow people as groups and as individuals to reach their proper fulfillment.