Political obligation

Definition

Political obligation refers to the moral duty of individuals to obey the laws and directives of their government. This concept raises questions about the reasons why citizens feel compelled to comply with authority, especially when they may disagree with specific laws or policies. It often intersects with discussions on civil disobedience, where individuals act against unjust laws while still acknowledging their broader obligations to the political system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Political obligation is often justified through theories such as consent, duty, and the benefits received from being part of a political community.
2. Disagreement with laws does not negate the sense of political obligation; individuals can still feel bound to obey laws while advocating for change.
3. The extent of political obligation can vary based on factors like the legitimacy of the government and whether laws are perceived as just or unjust.
4. Philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau have contributed significantly to our understanding of political obligation through their theories on social contract.
5. Civil disobedience challenges the notion of political obligation by proposing that citizens have a moral duty to resist unjust laws while still acknowledging their overall obligations to society.

Review Questions

• How does political obligation relate to civil disobedience in terms of moral responsibility?
  • Political obligation is fundamentally about the moral duty to obey laws, while civil disobedience represents a conscious choice to break certain laws based on a belief that they are unjust. Individuals engaging in civil disobedience typically argue that their actions are a form of higher moral responsibility that transcends legal obligation. This relationship shows that people can still recognize their duty to the state while actively opposing specific laws they view as unfair.
• What role does the concept of legitimacy play in shaping political obligation among citizens?
  • Legitimacy significantly influences political obligation by determining how willing citizens are to accept and follow laws imposed by their government. When a government is seen as legitimate—meaning it has fair authority and operates justly—citizens are more likely to feel a strong sense of obligation to comply with its laws. Conversely, if a government lacks legitimacy due to corruption or injustice, individuals may question or reject their political obligations, leading to potential unrest or civil disobedience.
• Evaluate the philosophical arguments surrounding political obligation and how they inform our understanding of citizenship today.
  • Philosophical arguments regarding political obligation, particularly from thinkers like Hobbes and Locke, emphasize varying justifications for why individuals should obey government authority. Hobbes suggests that fear of disorder necessitates obedience for safety, while Locke emphasizes consent and the social contract as foundations for obligation. Today, these arguments inform contemporary discussions about citizenship by raising critical questions about what responsibilities citizens have toward their government and each other, especially in light of issues like civil rights and justice reform.

Related terms

Civil Disobedience: A nonviolent form of protest in which individuals intentionally break certain laws to demonstrate their opposition to unjust policies or practices.

Legitimacy:

The recognized right of a government or authority to govern, which often influences the degree of political obligation citizens feel.

Social Contract:

A philosophical concept suggesting that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and accept certain obligations in exchange for protection and benefits.