Poli Sci Final
Marx seemed more interested in history and economics than in politics per se. What were the keys to Marx's theory of history?
"The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles" is the first line in The Communist Manifesto. What is original about this?--Marx's history differs because traditionally history is the actions of great men. Marx believes political changes are motivated by class struggle. History has to be understood in a new way. A new way is the social dynamic called class struggle.
Cottage industry
...
Economic laws y evolution
...
Entrepreneur/consumer
...
Factory system
...
Political theory appeals to reason and yet individual theories are often based on the assumption that much human behavior is irrational or that human reason is unreliable. Compare Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Burke?
...
What was new and innovative about this approach to political theorizing?
...
Which one of them explains best where "irrationality" comes into play and how it should be dealt with in the organization of the state?
...
Was he hostile or indifferent to freedom? (if your answer is yes, then why did Marx refer to "winning the battle for democracy" as an aim of the proletariat?)
?
Would Burke have agreed that capitalism was the path of political freedom?
?
Political theories are founded in perceptions of human nature. What critical assumptions did Locke make concerning human nature, and how did their assumptions shape the logic of their arguments and their recommendations about political power?
Assumed humans have certain natural rights given to them by God, the rights to life, liberty and property. All humans have these rights equally, so all humans are equal in the state of nature. We don't want anyone to violate our natural rights, and all people being equal, we should not violate the natural rights of others. Through reason humans discover this idea as the fundamental law of nature, that we should not harm others in their pursuit of their natural rights. Because of this, Locke sees the purpose of government to be the preservation and enlargement of the natural rights given to man by God. Government provides a non-biased source of law, and an impartial judge to preside over instances of wrongdoing. This deals with the central problem in the state of nature that allowing individuals to enforce the laws of nature on their own behalf would lead to injustice because of their bias.
According to Marx, "freedom" and "justice" (great themes of political philosophy) were mere "brave words" when used by the bourgeoisie. Did Marx doubt there was any such thing as freedom and justice?
Bourgeois freedom is merely brave words because the Ideology of words are not neutral. Freedom and justice is only attainable by the few with the means to acquire private property. The dominant class posses all the freedoms associated with the ownership of private property and they use the law as instruments of oppression.
Which political theorists argued for elite rule and how did they defend elite principles?
Burke and Plato both argued for rule by an elite class, but in two very different ways Burke-criticized the French Revolution because it tried to do away with the aristocratic system that governed the country for centuries. He argued that because of their wealth and free time to devote to politics, the elite class was most fit to serve a ruling function Plato-a type of elite rule in the Republic with his conception of the ideal state. He thought philosophers are the most fit for ruling positions, and are the best individuals to be allowed to "steer the ship of state". The Noble Lie is Plato's way of ensuring the hierarchical system of society is enforced Machiavelli-also argued for elite rule. He believed that a Monarchy would bring the most peace to a state. He believed that if the Prince did not share his powers or divide it up, the monarch would in the end remain strong. However, machiavelli does warn the prince not to use excess power because it will then turn the citizens against him.
What was Burke's criticism of it? What was Marx's criticism?
Burke- the state ought not to be considered as nothing better than a partnership agreement in a trade of pepper and coffee, callico or tobacco, or some other such low concern, to be taken up for a little temporary interest, and to be dissolved by the fancy of the parties. It is the first and supreme necessity only, a necessity that is not chosen but chooses, a necessity paramount to deliberation, that admits no discussion, and demands no evidence, which alone can justify a resort to anarchy. This necessity is not exception to the rule; because this necessity itself is a part too of that moral and physical disposition of things to which man must be obedient by consent or force; but if that which is only submission to necessity should be made the object of choice, the law is broken, nature is disobeyed, and the rebellious are outlawed, cast forth, and exiled, from this world of reason, and order, and peace, and virtue, and fruitful penitence, into the antagonist world of madness, discord, vice, confusion, and unavailing sorrow. Marx-
How did the industrial revolution alter the way the market society functioned when compared to what Smith described in the Wealth of Nations? (see experiences of Robert Owen)
Cottage industry took place in small workshops. Each person was their own boss. People produced what they wanted and what there was a demand for. The cottage industry transformed into a factory system. Changes from industrialization: Entrepreneur is a capitalists and do not consume all profit. Part of profit is saved and invested in machinery. This furthers increases productivity. Also, an investment is made into research and development in order to increase efficiency. This process is all driven by the entrepreneur. When the entrepreneur is not constrained it sets society on an upward march. Assumptions: all decision are voluntary and it is a truly competitive market. There can be no monopoly
A contemporary advocate of the market society says: "competitive capitalism promotes political freedom because it separates economic power from political power and enables the one to offset the other." Why did Marx reject that claim?
Each leap forward in technology caused greater human misery to occur. Individuals in the cottage factory could not longer compete against the factory system and they were swept into the factory against their will. "owen saw proletariat a class without any historical initiative." Owen thought he could fix the problem. Owen doesn't ask workers to fix the problem or even if they have a role. Owen thought he was the agent of social change. Marx says social action is to yield to their personal inventive actions. This is why owen appealed to ruling class and was astonished when they didn't make these changes...marx says he is critical utopian socialist. Owen's solutions are utopian because they are ahistorical. Marx provides a theory of the sociology of power. They didn't understand ideology in class struggle. The proletariat didn't understand how economic power and political power meet.
Did Marx offer answers to the perennial questions of politics.
Everybody but marx believes in the importance of state to promote well being. All others put politics first in their systems, they tried to paint the picture of the best regime. Marx never provided a fully worked out normative idea of politics, because the existing state in a class based society served one purpose. It is a weapon waging class warfare. State serves the interest of ruling class at the expense of exploited class. Class-based societies and the state are illegitimate. The state is an instrument for the exercise of exploitive power of the dominant class. The proletariat's historic role would be to abolish class antagonism, and the state would decline in importance and wither away.
Every influential political theory is guided by a sense of what the overriding purpose of government is. What did Plato think was the purpose of government?
Government is best served as a meritocracy. Auxiliaries, warriors, guardians should have traits. They should be spirited but gentle and brave. Need love and wisdom and combined with training. 3 functions of state (ideal regime) -produces/artisans: largest but least important group -auxiliaries/warriors: defenders of the state: small group -ruler/guardian class: elites in society made up of leaders and philosophers
Political theories are founded in perceptions of human nature. What critical assumptions did Hobbes make concerning human nature, and how did their assumptions shape the logic of their arguments and their recommendations about political power?
Hobbes viewed humans as being psychological egoists. This means that all human actions are motivated by individual self interest. In this way humans are inherently selfish and aim to pursue nothing but their own desires. Because of this the state of nature is equal to a state of war of all against all, making life for individuals in the state of nature "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short". The purpose of government is to avoid this state of war that exists in the state of nature, and so mankind contracts in common to give up all individual rights to the government, making the sovereign power of the government absolute. The government can't violate the social contract because it isn't party to the contract, it's the result of it. So the government exercises absolute power in order to maintain peace within society, and any action taken by the government is justified because even life under a totalitarian dictator is better than living in the state of nature, according to Hobbes.
Every influential political theory is guided by a sense of what the overriding purpose of government is. What did Madison think was the purpose of government?
Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit. In a society under the forms of which the stronger faction can readily unite and oppress the weaker, anarchy may as truly be said to reign as in a state of nature, where the weaker individual is not secured against the violence of the stronger; and as, in the latter state, even the stronger individuals are prompted, by the uncertainty of their condition, to submit to a government which may protect the weak as well as themselves; so, in the former state, will the more powerful factions or parties be gradnally induced, by a like motive, to wish for a government which will protect all parties, the weaker as well as the more powerful
Why did he think it necessary to explain the economic foundations of society in order to understand the state and its system of power?
Marx's goal of economics is to explain true power by stripping away economic power. Economic power is the root of exploitation. Market society brought the science of economics to explain the economy for political reason. There was a need to understand economy in order to understand society. The purpose for marx: 1). marx thought that politics was embodied in the material forces of production, division of labor, property, class tension, etc. and these things all have political implications. When you look at society like this you see two system of power interacting. This belief is unlike the cause the other economists call politics. Rather, each is a system of power they interact and give society their features and characteristics. Economics interact with legal, cultural systems to provide society. 2). Marx thought that the liberal economist were up to something fishy, and he believed that their science was ideology in disguise. They were obscuring the nature of these interactions. They did this by separating economics and politics. Economists tried to distinguish between the private sphere and public sphere. This cannot be done.
Why did Marx describe the mid-19th century as the "epoch of the bourgeoisie"?
Multiple classes throughout history --feudalism. In this system two classes bourgeois and proletariat. Only two classes fighting. Epoch of bourgeousie is because they are running the show. Started before the industrial revolution, and is a result of long process of conflict between the bourgeoisie and the feudal aristocracy. There was no bourgeois while the aristocracy was in charge. Lords controlled by fiefdoms and the justification was they provided protection for the serfs. Distribution of goods and productions were set by the church and the kingdom. The merchant class tried to make money but couldn't. As generations go by they experiment and try new things. By 18th century they create new inventions like spinning machine and the power to harness water for production. This is when the bourgeois begins to emerge. Bourgesousie took over by pioneering a new means of production along with the exchange the goods in society, and the creation of private property. History is class struggle, the proof is the bourgois is a product of class struggle. Bourgois was struggling for freedom in order to achieve the freedom "they had to burst asunder" -marx. Bourgois were agents in a struggle for freedom.
How do you think Plato would respond to this view? How about Locke, Madison or Marx?
Plato believes the cultivation of virtue is the most important role for government Locke: while Locke would argue that political or civil society exists only to preserve the rights of the individual. It can be argued that for both Machiavelli and Locke, political activity, then, becomes merely a means of satisfying selfish ends. Madison: Both Machiavelli and Madison are primarily concerned with building institutions which will provide for stable political relationships. In pursuit of this goal they arrive at similar conclusions about the variables of political life which must be considered in nation-building. Marx: ?
Why did Marx think that a proletarian revolution was inevitable? That is, why did Marx doubt that the proletariat could ever hope to achieve its class interest in peaceful negotiations with the bourgeoisie?
Proletariat were created by the bourgeois, but the Proletariat is the only revolutionary class in society. Over time they will overthrow the bourgeois.The bourgeois has enslaved the proletariat, and therefore created their own gravediggers. The capitalist class is a shrinking class, and wage laborers are an expanding class. bourgois are the owners of the most private property. Private property is the bellwether of freedom, yet most don't own it or have the means to attain it. So, new antagonisms are building up. This class antagonism has to be resolved for freedom to advance. Uniformed workers experience low wages and wages continually decline. Their work is monotonous and dehumanizing. The human being is now an appendage of the machine instead of vice versa. The proletariat must develop a class consciousness in order for the revolution to occur.
Political theories are founded in perceptions of human nature. What critical assumptions did Adam Smith make concerning human nature, and how did their assumptions shape the logic of their arguments and their recommendations about political power?
Published theory of moral sentiments the thesis was how moral judgements were made when we are all self interested. We assume a 3rd person to see outside of their own self interest. Much like jean jacque rousseau we possess an innate ability to have compassion. We see what is fair and just in human relationships.
According to Adam Smith, how could a "Market Society" be effectively self-regulating and what would be the major benefits?
Society and the market is a living organism. An "invisible hand" guides the market. Rational self-interest in a free-market economy leads to economic well-being. self interest is a major influence on the market, but Competition drives businessman. They act in their own self-interest but if self-interest must be balanced because competition would make your business wain or disappear.
Why did Machiavelli insist that the world of politics was morally unique and that successful leadership often called for the compromise of moral principles?
The Prince upends the thought that virtue was important in governing and rejects the power of human reasoning. The Greeks are preoccupied with Soulcraft (cultivating virtue).The state is not suited and human nature is not suited for this. His only concern is with Statecraft. Machiavelli repudiated Christian political thought because it discouraged leaders from taking power, maintaining power, and successfully governing the state
robert owen
The general diffusion of manufactures throughout a country generates a new character in its inhabitants; and as this character is formed upon a principle quite unfavourable to individual or general happiness, it will produce the most lamentable and permanent evils, unless its tendency be counteracted by legislative interference and direction.To succeed in this career, the industry of the lower orders, from whose labour this wealth is now drawn, has been carried by new competitors striving against those of longer standing, to a point of real oppression, reducing them by successive changes, as the spirit of competition increased, and the ease of acquiring wealth diminished, to a state more wretched than can be imagined by those who have not attentively observed the changes as they have gradually occurred. In consequence, they are at present in a situation infinitely more degraded and miserable than they were before the introduction of these manufactories, upon the success of which their bare subsistence now depends.
Why was the theory of the social contract useful to discontented writers in the 17th century?
The passions that incline men to peace are: fear of death; desire of such things as are necessary to commodious living; and a hope by their industry to obtain them. And reason suggest convenient articles of peace upon which men may be drawn to agreement. These articles are they which otherwise are called the laws of nature Hobbes- governments are in tact to limit individual freedom by protecting the people's right of nature. The sovereign operates through fear; the threat of punishment reinforces the mandates of the laws of nature, thus ensuring the continued operation of the social contract. (Hobbes) all rational men despise the state of war, and so by obeying a government, it allows the individual to have self-preservation because it has a government to impose laws to protect these rights. Locke- to help secure rights of private property, to preserve and enlarge freedom. They need this impartial judge for when someone takes/damages their property/ the state of nature.
Two of the most important words in Marx's Vocabulary were "exploitation" and "alienation." What role did these concepts play in his theory of politics historically understood?
The proletarians live only as long as they can find work, and they can find work only as long as their labor increases capital. They are a commodity, and are vulnerable to all the fluctuations of the market.The proletariat will eventually realize they are being exploited by the bourgeoisie in order to realize their false class consciousness. Exploitation is accompanied by alienation. Alienation is critical variable. As the bourgeoisie grip grows firmer and deeper and then alienation only grows. This provokes the proletariat revolution. Alienating system of power state and capitalism together and contradict human nature. Stunts and deforms human nature. Alienated women are not free. Marx insists that proletariat must emancipate themselves and no one can do it for them. The proletariat has to attain to a level of class consciousness already had by bourgeois. How did bourgeois reach their revolution? They were concerned with their own welfare and with their affairs. When things get bad and proletariats mature then they will embrace Marx's theory. This theory will cease to be a theory and become practise (sp?). Theory + practice (struggle by proletariat) become practise (sp?). This means they become one in the same. Marx's theory will be a historical force. A midwife for the pros revolution.
Every influential political theory is guided by a sense of what the overriding purpose of government is. What did Machiavelli think was the purpose of government?
The pursuit of "fortune governs half of our actions," therefore only half of our time is the only power in our control. In order to maintain either political power or fortune over long periods of time, one must have the ability to adapt to a constantly evolving society. If a person can adapt they can maintain a country or a fortune.
What was Marx's assessment of the bourgeoisie?
They are the product of struggles in society, and now they are at the top. Fundamentally altered the status of orders in society. Transformed social order. They constantly revolutionized technology and the effect is the unimagined creative power of human beings. The are a revolutionary class. They drowned out religious fervor, resolved personal worth into exchange value, and established free trade. He is grateful for bourgois for destroying, new fetters were introduced though. They abolished old ones but set up new ones. Made of mockery of religious norms that made society stable.
Every influential political theory is guided by a sense of what the overriding purpose of government is. What did Locke think was the purpose of government?
To help secure rights of private property, to preserve and enlarge freedom; for the end of civil society, being to avoid, and remedy those inconveniences of the state of nature, which necessarily follow from every man's being judge in his own case, by setting up a known authority, to which every one of that society may appeal upon any injury received, or controversy that may arise, and which every one of the society ought to obey;* where-ever any persons are, who have not such an authority to appeal to, for the decision of any difference between them, there those persons are still in the state of nature.
Using Burke and Locke or Smith as points of reference, how would you distinguish the main tenets and assumptions of modern conservatism from modern liberalism?
Triadic model-obstacles =>agent=>goal=>- Individual( Liberal)= agent (liberal- liberal always start with individual; rational, free, equal), overcomes obstacles to reach goals according to own choices. This is freedom for liberal. Obstacles for liberal is arbitrary barriers to self advancement.The worst arbitrary barrier is ascribed status.So, liberalism is hostile to old regime. oldest political ideology is liberalism, and derives from social contract theory of john locke. Modern liberalism assumes the lockian view of human nature. Conservatism is rejection of liberalism. Enlightenment period inspired a push back and this is how it influenced conservatism. our politics today should rely heavily upon the traditions of our forefathers.
Perennial Questions
What regime is best? What is the State of human nature? How is justice defined? How do we get fair outcomes? What makes power legitimate?
Market society
an invention of intellectual construct before it is a reality...it is a convention of man as opposed to be nature. A product of human choice not of human nature.
Substantive Doctrine
answers philosophers give to problems. the method is how they reached a doctrine. Method example: socratic method
Every influential political theory is guided by a sense of what the overriding purpose of government is. What did Marx think was the purpose of government?
government was not an entity through which change could be brought about. Rather, for change to happen and for the class struggles to be resolved it was necessary for the people to rise up and bring about the necessary adjustments to society. Only through attempting to even out the system and put an end to the upper class owning the means of production could there be fairness in terms of labor. On another note, Marx saw that labor itself was where the power of the proletariat was. The working classes possess strength in numbers and have the power to affect great change, both for the better or worse and Marx encouraged the worker to understand his position in the scheme of society.
Political theories are founded in perceptions of human nature. What critical assumptions did Marx make concerning human nature, and how did their assumptions shape the logic of their arguments and their recommendations about political power?
humans are naturally social and creative people
Laws and the market
market mechanism or competition prevents prices from being arbitrary....demand regulates production.
Augustine 354 to 430
o Key Point: o State of nature? Original Sin drives human history. Government is necessary because people sin. Human reason is fallible and weak. God gave us free will, but will is weak and over powers reason. Human experience is a "vale of tears" or a sojourn through a terrible place. o Which regime is best? o How is justice defined? o How do we get fair outcomes? o What makes power legitimate?
Plato 428 bc
o Key Points: State of nature? o Which regime is best? Plato outlines what he thinks is the ideal state in the Republic. It would place philosophers in charge of the government and split society into three classes from birth: Guardians, Auxiliaries, and Artisans. o How is justice defined? Plato argues justice cannot be reduced to the exercise of power. This contradicts the Sophist argument that power dictates what justice is. The sophist argument is also known as the radical form of justice. o How do we get fair outcomes? o What makes power legitimate?
Political theories are founded in perceptions of human nature. What critical assumptions did Madison make concerning human nature, and how did their assumptions shape the logic of their arguments and their recommendations about political power?
views align with hobbes because no opinions on politics are the same and this leads to factionalism. the only way to remove factionalism is the remove liberty from the individual. differs from hobbes solution to human nature (authoritarianism) because you cannot remove liberty
Locke 1632-1704
○ Key Point: Social Contract Theory: Since life in a state of nature is bound to be miserable, people want to escape or avoid it. In order to do so, they develop and adopt a) a social contract, and b) some way(s) of enforcing the social contract. ○ A social contract is a set of rules governing social interactions. Some of the rules are laws, others are moral norms. While people living in a state of nature have unrestricted liberty, obeying a social contract involves giving up some liberties (e.g., the liberty to murder or assault each other) on the condition that others do the same. Enforcement of the social contract's laws is carried out by government institutions; moral rules are enforced by social disapproval. ○ State of nature? Like Hobbes but not as extreme ○ Which regime is best? Liberalism ○ How is justice defined? Conventional view of justice: the weak make a contract to keep from being harmed. Human beings are just because coercion looms. Example is the story of Gyges Ring ○ How do we get fair outcomes? ○ What makes power legitimate?
Owen 1771-1858 (socialism, communism)
○ Key Points: ○ State of nature? ○ Which regime is best? ○ How is justice defined? ○ How do we get fair outcomes? ○ What makes power legitimate?
Smith 1723-1790 (capitalist theory)
○ Key Points: ○ State of nature? ○ Which regime is best? ○ How is justice defined? ○ How do we get fair outcomes? ○ What makes power legitimate?
Burke 1729-1797:
○ Key Points: ○ State of nature? ○ Which regime is best? Conservatism, Aristocracy. believes in the tradition of government. revolutionaries had little respect for forefathers, starting over is a mistake because foundation is strong. There is merit in hierarchy. Revolution that overthrows old govt. disrespect existing social contract. He argues that religion "is the [very] basis of civil society." The source of Edmund Burke's best regime comes as an attack against the french revolution. ○ How is justice defined? ○ How do we get fair outcomes? ○ What makes power legitimate?
Marx 1818-1883
○ Key Points: ○ State of nature? Humans are naturally social and creative people ○ Which regime is best? ○ How is justice defined? ○ How do we get fair outcomes? ○ What makes power legitimate?
Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison 18th century:
○ Key Points: ○ State of nature? Madison develops arguments based on human nature. His views align with hobbes because no opinions on politics are the same and this leds to factionalism. However he sets the rights of man as equal. The only way to remove factionalism is to remove liberty from the individual. Differs from hobbes solution to human nature (Authoritarianism) because you cannot remove liberty. (madison wrong on this because sparta did this). ○ Which regime is best? Republican regime is best with a Balanced or mixed constitution that represents both conservative and liberalism. Both the federal government and the state government will have a balanced constitution and a republican government. Democracy is the worst form of government because it allows for the mischiefs of faction. Meaning the majority group, in a democracy can take power and cause harm to the minority group. Govt. created to protect and enforce human rights. Bad govt. can be changed if govt. violates trust of people then can be overthrown. Leadership consists of Aristocratic leaders--men of virtue due to their means. State should be small to moderate factional conflict. Legislative power is power of government. Unequal distribution of property is the origination and most prevalent factionalism. This constitution removes bad effects of factualism and preserves the good ones. "extend the sphere"- new theory of republicanism that argues state shouldn't be small because majorities can engagae in bad conduct. If we make republic large we get more diversity and enrich society. Interest group pluralism is the answer to interest group govt. In order for ambition to counteract ambition the people must enable the government to control the governed and you must oblige the govt. to control itself. ie checks and balances. Conception of separation of powers is new theory, separation for govt. function not by class. Administrative decentralization- refers to madisonian constitutional design. Large republics have more virtue because extending the sphere takes in a greater diversity of people. Constitution guarantees certain freedoms that make free association work. No centralization, local issues should be delt with at the state level since they also have republic institutions. Political parties are essentially local institutions and political institutions provide great free schools where political knowledge is formed and learned the theory of association. ○ How is justice defined? ○ How do we get fair outcomes? Separation of powers and gave voice to popular element of society but balanced it against aristocracy. ○ What makes power legitimate?
Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679
○ Key Points:. Hobbes theory of a social contract appeared in Leviathan during the Civil War in Britain. Prior to a social contract, man lived in the state of nature. Life in the state of nature was one of fear and selfishness. Man lived in chaotic conditions of constant fear. Man has a natural desire for security and order in order to avoid misery and pain. Man entered into a contract with the idea of self-preservation and self-protection. These elements are inherent to man's nature an din order to achieve this, they voluntarily surrendered all their rights and freedoms to some authority by this contract who must command obedience. The mighetest authority is to protect and preserve their lives and property. ○ State of nature? Human nature is selfish and evil People have limited altruism and are largely Egoistic (self interested) and this is their main motivation. Everyone has an equality of need, and there is a rough equality of power. Hobbes set the right of nature to pursue self interest through reason. A scarcity of resources to meet people's needs are not sufficient and there is not enough to go around. Therefore, competition sets the stage and causes a state of war. The State of nature is a state of war. In the state of nature life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. ○ Which regime is best? Absolute Monarch-subjects had no rights against the absolute authority or the sovereign and he is to be obeyed in all situations however bad or unworthy he might be. The monarch is only bound by moral obligations and natural law. Humans have in them the rationally capacity to pursue their desires as efficiently and maximally as possible. On this belief, he argues that they ought to be willing to submit themselves to political authority. Subjects must surrender all their rights and vest all liberties in the sovereign for preservation of peace, life, and prosperity of the subjects. In this way the natural law became a moral guide or directive to the sovereign for preservation of the natural rights of the subjects. For Hobbes all law is dependant upon the sanction of the sovereign. ○ How is justice defined? "might is always right"--Radical form of justice. A supporter of absolutism "law is dependent upon the sanction of the sovereign and the government without sword are but words and of no strength to secure a man at all" Real law is civil law, the law commanded and enforced by the sovereign and are brought into the world are for nothing else but to limit the natural liberty of particual men, in such a manner, as they might not hurt but to assist one another and join together against a common enemy. ○ How do we get fair outcomes? Whatever the absolute monarch determines is fair is fair. He must ensure there is order and safety, so his decisions are in the best interest of the people. No matter how bad or unfair a decision might be, one must always obey. "might makes right." ○ What makes power legitimate? Absolute power is legitimate because they can protect the people. Protection and order are the main concerns of the people.
