# The Problem of Political Authority **URL:** **By** Michael Huemer, Aaron Ross Powell, Trevor Burrus **Published:** September 15, 2014 --- Michael Huemer joins us this week for a discussion on political authority, political obligation, and political legitimacy. Professor Michael Huemer claims that if normal people acted like governments do, we would generally be horrified and find their behavior morally contemptible...so why do most people intuitively feel that government is justified in its actions? Professor Huemer, Aaron, and Trevor tackle problems of political obligation, political legitimacy, and political authority, and explain the differences between each of these terms. **Show Notes and Further Reading** Michael Huemer, [_The Problem of Political Authority: An Examination of the Right to Coerce and the Duty to Obey_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Problem-Polit%E2%80%A6on/dp/1137281650/) (book) Michael Huemer, [_Ethical Intuitionism_](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0230573746/) (book) [Prof. Huemer's personal web site.](http://home.sprynet.com/~owl1/)