政體應由國民自由抉擇來確定，又應遵守「法治國家」的原則，在法治國家裡法律是無上權威，而非個人獨斷的意願。

405. 社會的權威建基於什麼？

每個人類團體需有合法的權威，以保障法紀的穩定，促進公益。這種權威以人性為基礎，因為它符合由天主所規定的秩序。

406. 怎樣行使的權威才算是合法的？

若權威致力於促進社會的公益，並為達到這目的，使用道德上容許的方法，就是合法地行使了權威。為此政體應由國民自由抉擇來確定，又應遵守「法治國家」的原則，在法治國家裡法律是無上權威，而非個人獨斷的意願。不義的法律或違反道德秩序的方法，都沒有束縛良心的力量。

407. 公益是什麼？

公益一詞是指整個社會生活的條件，容許團體和個人達到自身的完美。

408. 公益包括什麼？

公益包括：對人基本權利的尊重和促進；個人和社會的屬靈及屬世價值的發展；眾人的和平與安全。

409. 公益如何才能得到最圓滿的實現？

當政治團體保衛和促進國民和中間社團的公益，同時又不忽略人類大家庭的普遍公益時，公益才能得到最圓滿的實現。

410. 人如何參與實現公益？

所有的人必須各依其位，各按其職，參與促進公益的工作，尊重公義的法律，並在職務範圍內，負起個人的責任：關懷家人和專心自己的工作。國民還應盡其所能，積極參與公眾生活。


來源：《天主教教理簡編》
http://dcc.catholic.org.hk/Testing/CCCC.htm


405. What is the foundation of the authority of society?

Every human community needs a legitimate authority that preserves order and contributes to the realization of the common good. The foundation of such authority lies in human nature because it corresponds to the order established by God.

406. When is authority exercised in a legitimate way?

Authority is exercised legitimately when it acts for the common good and employs morally licit means to attain it. Therefore, political regimes must be determined by the free decision of their citizens. They should respect the principle of the “rule of law” in which the law, and not the arbitrary will of some, is sovereign. Unjust laws and measures contrary to the moral order are not binding in conscience.

407. What is the common good?

By the common good is meant the sum total of those conditions of social life which allow people as groups and as individuals to reach their proper fulfillment.

408. What is involved in the common good?

The common good involves: respect for and promotion of the fundamental rights of the person, the development of the spiritual and temporal goods of persons and society, and the peace and security of all.

409. Where can one find the most complete realization of the common good?

The most complete realization of the common good is found in those political communities which defend and promote the good of their citizens and of intermediate groups without forgetting the universal good of the entire human family.

410. How does one participate in bringing about the common good?

All men and women according to the place and role that they occupy participate in promoting the common good by respecting just laws and taking charge of the areas for which they have personal responsibility such as the care of their own family and the commitment to their own work. Citizens also should take an active part in public life as far as possible.


source: Compendium OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html