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Philosophy

Legitimacy in Political Authority and the Obligation to Obey

Quick fact

A state can wield power (enforcing laws) without having legitimacy—the moral right to rule. For example, a military junta may rule with force but lacks legitimacy, and citizens are not morally bound to obey its unjust commands.

Why this is interesting

You likely obey laws every day—stopping at red lights, paying taxes. But have you ever stopped to ask: why are you morally obliged to do so? What gives the state the right to command you?