Idk. Maybe that's the question. This stemmed from philosophical debate around Romans 13, BTW.
Discussion
Interesting. I think the driving principle here is the relation and distinction between authority and power.
Tyrants and “the state” use power to claim “authority” over others.
The invert the relation.
In Catholic teaching, and Natual Law philosophy, authority references the legitimate holding of a seat or position, and that is the source of power.
So when I read 13 romans, its just saying, a father holds authority over his children, and thus has been given power over them. that power exists only insofar as he maintains his position dutifully, adhering to all his responsibilities.
Then just extend the father child relation to up societally to nations
