Authority vs Freedom
The problem of freedom and authority, once again, cannot be
dealt with in the extreme. Total freedom is anarchy, and com
plete authority is dictatorship. The ideal is a delicate balance
between the two, which maximizes freedom when freedom is
best for the individual and the group, and maximizes authority
when authority best serves the needs of the individual and the
group. Each exists in a mutually exclusive relationship— the
more freedom, the less authority, and vice versa. Both carry with
them grave risks—too much freedom and the security that
authority provides is threatened, too much authority and free
dom is threatened.
The problem of terrorism poses an interesting example. The
free access to airports and nations makes it easy for terrorists to
do their work. Restrictions on travel, access, or free movement
would limit terrorism. A particular example took place in the city
of Norwalk, Connecticut, in January, 1986. The superintendent
of schools cancelled several school-approved trips to Europe
which were to take place during the spring vacation. The one trip
he did not cancel was the one to the Soviet Union. “It’s safe to
travel there,” he said.
Lipson lists several types of authoritarian principles which
justify authority that does not originate with those over whom it
is exercised. They are: 1) divine right, 2) ancestral lineage, 3)
military rule, 4) the Communist party, 5) Fascism and Nazism.
He also lists some of the types of authority which emanate from
the people over whom that authority reigns. The philosophical
principles enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, in
part transferred to the Constitution, are foremost examples of the
philosophy of freedom. Constitutionalism, judicial review, and
the rule of law are primary examples of authority originating
with the governed, free from the constraints of authoritarian
principles.
So, authority imposed, based on some premise other than the
consent of the governed can be justified by one of the five
authoritarian concepts listed above. Authority which is not
imposed but is shared must take some form such as those listed
as written, enumerated law.
Here let us depart somewhat from Lipson to discuss the
132 Political Theory: The Relationship of Man and the State