Catholic Life

Catholic Social Teaching: The Role of Government and Subsidiarity

by Brandon Jubar

Our search for the "common good" is founded on a belief in truth and justice, and given life by our love for one another. One way that we express this love is by honoring each other's rights and accepting certain responsibilities. These responsibilities do not lie solely with individuals, but with government as well.

by Brandon Jubar

Our search for the "common good" is founded on a belief in truth and justice, and given life by our love for one another. One way that we express this love is by honoring each other's rights and accepting certain responsibilities. These responsibilities do not lie solely with individuals, but with government as well.

The Concept of Subsidiarity

Most of us are familiar with the term "subsidiary", which generally refers to a business or legal entity that is wholly owned by another, larger business or legal entity. The subsidiary, in this case, can stand on its own and operate as any other business. However, the parent business or legal entity has a right to step in at any point and direct the operations of the subsidiary.

"Subsidiarity" is a term used to describe the idea that the protection of human rights should be carried out at the lowest possible level of government. But if the lowest level of government fails to adequately perform its functions, then the higher levels of government are obligated to step in and help.

Guide but Don't Control

The state has an obligation to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. This is not to say that the highest levels of government need to control the people or usurp authority from the local levels of government. In fact, the higher levels should support the smaller, local community and help facilitate its involvement with the rest of society.

This understanding of the role of government should not be interpreted as "the government that governs least, governs best." The concept here is one of appropriateness. Good government will intervene when necessary to promote the common good. For example, it will at times direct, urge, restrain, or regulate economic activity -- but it will not control the marketplace. Good government will ensure that the natural disparity that occurs and increases between the rich and the poor will not grow to the point where basic human rights are denied to some.

Government's Moral Function (and Ours)

The Catholic Church insists that government has an over-riding moral function: to protect human rights and ensure basic justice for all. All of society has a responsibility to build up the common good, but the government's main role is to guarantee the minimum conditions necessary to provide human rights and justice. To the extent that we decide who will lead our government, this obligation falls on you and me as we choose our representatives and play a part in shaping public opinion.

Just as individuals make up the Church, they also make up society and the government. But the greater degree of power and authority conferred upon the government carries with it a greater obligation to support and promote truth, justice, and the rights of all individuals -- especially those on the margins of society.