What type of governance was Legalism most closely associated with?

Legalism is most closely associated with authoritarian governance because it emphasizes strict laws, centralized control, and the belief that people are inherently selfish and require firm rules to maintain order and discipline in society. This philosophy advocates for a powerful state apparatus that enforces laws rigorously to ensure compliance and stability.

In a Legalist framework, the role of the government is to exert significant control over individuals and to administer harsh punishments for disobedience, which aligns with characteristics of authoritarian systems. The focus is not on the will of the people or democratic principles, but rather on the authority of the ruling class to impose order and ensure the loyalty of the populace.

Legalism contrasts sharply with democratic governance, which emphasizes participation and representation, federal governance that involves the distribution of power among various levels, and socialist governance, which typically advocates for a collective or state ownership of resources and aims to achieve economic equality. In essence, the principles of Legalism advocate for a strong and centralized authority, which is a hallmark of authoritarian governance.