Final answer:
The real way to usurp power from an authoritarian government is through collective action and the establishment of a new, democratic government that aligns with the will of the people, especially when the current government fails to protect their rights and freedoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The only real way people can usurp power from their authoritarian government is often through collective action and the implementation of a democratic government where citizens have a say in governance. As John Locke highlighted, when a government fails to protect the rights of the people, they not only can but should move to overthrow it and establish a government that serves the general will of the people.
However, the question of legitimacy is complex, especially in settings where authoritarian governments hold elections that lack fairness. Elections alone do not grant legitimacy; it is also the perception of the governed whether the government is responsive to their needs and rights. Where these are not upheld, civil institutions and active citizenry can play a role in challenging the power of dictators and authoritarian elites, fueling protest activities and movements towards democratic governance.
In accordance with philosophical and historical precedents, such as those that influenced the Declaration of Independence, the consent of the governed is foundational to governmental authority. Therefore, in the face of tyranny, it is a natural right of the people to alter or abolish an abusive government.