(ML) Why Do We Obey?

Why do we obey our government?

Well, I do suppose we vote citizens into public office because we believe that by being in positions of power, they can put into action things that are for the good of the country. That, I hope, is the reason why society decides to put a few individuals into positions that have control over things like passing laws, handling the funds of the country that is taken from taxes.

So, in reciprocation, I think it's only right that we obey our government, since we put them there in the first place to do the things that they're supposed to be doing.

This reciprocation is brought about by the belief in the cause of the people in power. If you believe that the decisions made are things that are, for the most part, right and good for the majority, then it only follows that your conscience would bother you to, perhaps, sacrifice a little to obey what is asked of you, if only to improve the general situation in society.

Then, of course, there is the tendency for people to look for a sort of guide, or a leader, or even just someone to relieve them of most of the responsibility of a decision because they merely have to follow. In which case, the pull to obey isn't so much a decision than the mindlessness of being ordered around.

If the case arises though that the govenrment is "bad," then I would think that there are certain situations wherein the obligation to obey is negated.

If the public knowingly votes into office somone who has lacks proper moral values and has an essentially horrible character, then I think the obligation to obey stands. But if the case may be that the official gained office through false pretenses and hoodwinking the public, then, in a democrasy, the obligation to obey this official is nulled.

It is in this case that the obligation of the people then is to make sure that the bad government is removed from power and is, later, replaced by one that can fulfill its promises and obligations to the majority.

In the case of a good government, on the other hand, I think the obedience of the peole is deserved. If the power they have is fairly obtained and properly used, then I see verry little reason that the citizens should abdicate their leaders from their positions. If they are doing what they should be doing, I suppose they do deserve the obedience of the people so that they would be able to accomplish the goals they set out for the good of the majority. After all, those in office, like any other person, cannot change the world with only their own hands... Cooperation is essential in creating a change.


Whether or not it is right to disobey our governments, outside of these situations, I can't say. It would likely be justifiable, but as to if it is "right" would depend on the circumstances leading to the disobedience, I suppose.