326. Common good and just methods

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 326

Ave Maria series

When does an authority act legitimately?

An authority acts legitimately when it works for the sake of the common good and applies just methods of attaining the goals thereof.  [1903-1904, 1921]

For a brief period in 1961,  I drove electric trollies (pictured) and diesel buses for the Chicago Transit Authority.  This is a Brill electric trolleybus on West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago. The pay was good and it was a great way to meet and greet people. My older brother Bob was employed by the CTA for 35 years. ...326

The people in a State must be able to rely on the fact that they live under a “government of laws”, which has rules that are binding for all.  No one is obliged to obey laws that are arbitrary and unjust or that contradict the natural moral order.  In that case there is a right, or in some circumstances even the duty, to resist

1903-1904, 1921

PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

AUTHORITY

1903 Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned and if it employs morally licit means to attain it. If rulers were to enact unjust laws or take measures contrary to the moral order, such arrangements would not be binding in conscience. In such a case, "authority breaks down completely and results in shameful abuse."(Pope St.John XXIII Pacem in Terris 51.)²³ --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

1904 "It is preferable that each power be balanced by other powers and by other spheres of responsibility which keep it within proper bounds. This is the principle of the 'rule of law,' in which the law is sovereign and not the arbitrary will of men."(Centesimus Annus 44.)²⁴ –CCC

IN BRIEF

1921 Authority is exercised legitimately if it is committed to the common good of society. To attain this it must employ morally acceptable means. --CCC

People  Government CTA