The Treatise on Rights by Imam Zain al Abidin (A.S) -14

14. Rights of Ima`ms

"The right of the possessor of authority (sulta`n) is that you know that you have been made as a trial for him. Allah is testing him through the authority He has given him over you. You should give him a sincere counsel, and should not quarrel with him. You should not expose yourself to his displeasure, for thereby you cast yourself by your hands into destruction and become his partner in his sin when he brings evil down upon you. And there is no strength save in Allah" 

In these words the Ima`m, peace be on him, had highlighted the political affairs before he spoke about the rights. He mentioned the rights of the Ima`ms and rulers against subjects. He thought that kings, rulers, and governors were tried through their subjects. This is because of authority, which is among the most important factors of trial and seduction. As for the rights of kings and rulers against their subjects, they are: 

A. They should be loyal to the legal authority and give it more counsel, that it may offer them more services such as construction, spreading security and welfare, and developing the country in all fields. It is natural that when the authority leads a life full of anxieties, disorders, and discords, it will be unable to carry out its duties. 

B. They should not quarrel with the authority, for such quarrel brings about an inclusive destruction. 

C. They should be mild toward the authority and respect it in a manner which does not oppose the religion.

 
D. They should not oppose and disobey the authority, for such an opposition and disobedience bring about serious damages for government and people. 

These are some rights of the authority against its subjects, which are necessary for the unity between people and their governmen