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Thank you for your insight.
To clarify, by firm rule I am thinking of both stability and security. This does not usually mean using soldiers against your own people.
If everyone is afraid of attacking your country and there is no threat of civil war, your rule is more firm.
On the other hand, secret warrants and secret trials might be part of a firm rule too.
As for fairness, do the rich and poor have equal standing before the law? Are they taxed in an equitable way? Do equally capable and connected people have equal opportunity? As powerclown suggests, civil rights are a significant part of this.
And powerclown I almost agree that the style of leadership is a key factor. I would rather say the legitimacy of the leadership, which seems similar to what you are saying. I do not know if the form of government is important, whether it is a democracy or established monarchy for example.
dksuddeth, I agree that the fairness of the rule depends on the character of the ruler. I feel that some circumstances must by nature limit the options of a ruler though. In the US circumstances and public opinion may have more effect than character since decisions are made by compromise. If we could somehow find enough people of unshakable character to fill all the roles of our government they still might be swayed by the wishes of those who elected them.
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