What Makes a Political Authority Legitimate - 2025 Words

What makes a political authority legitimate? A legitimate political authority, in this essay, will be taken to mean that there is a justification for an individual or a body to have power over other people in determining such things as laws and protection of freedom. To consider this question, three theories shall be looked at – Hobbes’, Rousseau and finally Locke and determine which gives the most persuasive account of legitimate political authority. To begin with, their hypothetical starting point, the state of nature, shall be discussed to establish the foundations of their political authority. Secondly, the reasons that shall lead man to get out of the state of nature will be examined in order to see if these logically follow on from†¦show more content†¦This is due to the fact that man is formed by God, thus man is sacred. Anyone who transgresses this law must be judged and punished by all other men as every man has this right. This punishment must be sui table to the transgression. Though Locke also states that any transgression may be punishable by death, even minor infringements. Furthermore, Locke’s view of the state of nature revolves around property. Not only are men equal in terms of strength and authority, but also have equal access to everything on this Earth. This is because Locke views that God has given the Earth to man in order to preserve himself. Thus man puts labour into the land. Through labour, man may own the property as long as it satisfies his needs, does not go to waste and there is enough for all. Consent is not necessary either – Locke believes this would hinder some people, leading them to die of starvation. Locke also points out that not everyone may follow the law of nature, thus in this state of nature, man is still unable to fully enjoy the bounty God has give to them. The Lockean view of the state of nature appears to be more persuasive than the other two theorist discussed as it does not f all into the trap of over simplifying human beings. It also gives into account those who may break the natural law - Since the state of nature has been discussed, reasons for leaving this state will be discussed. Hobbes believes thatShow MoreRelatedThe Writings Of John Locke And Jean Jacques Rousseau1596 Words   |  7 PagesJacques Rousseau have had a significant impact on the controversy of what constitutes legitimate political power. They both believe in man’s natural mortality, and they also state that creating a social contract and legitimate government is necessary to avoid conflict. Both philosophers hold different perspectives and opinions, however they are both concerned with the same question: What renders exercises of a political power legitimate? Rousseau and Locke have several similarities within their theoriesRead MoreThe Crime On The Block1440 Words   |  6 Pagesthe press today. The press has the power to manipulate the way we perceive our surroundings with the legitimate authority to do so. It is only up to our own morals and ethics to really understand who has power over us and to understand the differences between illegitimate and legitimate authority. Since 1791 when the First Amendment was adopted there were many newspapers each with a specific political party they supported. There were many viewpoints to pick and choose from and many voices to be heardRead MoreEssay about Defining Power and Politics1020 Words   |  5 Pagesincluding corporate, academic, and religious. 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