On the Legitimacy of the United States Government

Cardinal Billot and Pope Leo XIII

Introduction

From time to time, I have heard certain traditionalists argue against the legitimacy of the United States Government. The basis for such a position comes from an argument based in the moral illegitimacy of the American Revolution. While some may scoff at such a notion, the objection does bring to light interesting questions concerning how civil power is communicated during such events.

It is agreed by all Catholic moralists that, 1. Ultimately and remotely all civil authority comes from God, yet 2. Immediately and proximately all civil authority is delegated by the people who formed the system of civil governance, hence 3. Habitually and potentially such a power remains within those who are governed. From this, the conclusion is easily drawn that the legitimacy of a newly formed system of civil governance, adhered to by the people, is legitimate as a civil authority, abstracted from the sinful manner in which this government may have been established or the immoral doctrines which may form the basis of the government.

Cardinal Billot