The Basis of Legitimacy of Political Power: The Form and Constitution of Early Confucianism “Theory of People’s Wishes”

Political power is a tool or means, which application is justified only if it conforms to and serves the interests and wishes of the public. The familiar Confucianism “people-fundamental theory” mainly refers to what is the important one of political tools, rather than the purpose of politics and power. The purpose of politics and power is expressed and discussed in accordance with “wishes of the people” and “willof people” in Confucianism. The Confucian’s answers and arguments on why political power and monarchy should be established, why the use of power should conform to the wishes of the people, why the wishes of the people, the will of heaven and the will of the monarch should be coordinated, what constitutes the wishes and will of people, who should bear the political responsibility and consequences, and how the public should choose in the face of evil politics, etc., are all revolved around the basis of legitimacy of power, which is to conform to the wishes and will of people. The attention and deep understanding of Confucianism “theory of people’s wishes” will make an important transformation in the image of Confucian’s political theory.