Single Idea 22539

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 3. Government / c. Executive]

Full Idea

Where the election of officials is concerned, electing from the elected is dangerous. For if some are willing to combine, even if they are a relatively small number, the election will always turn out according to their wish.

Gist of Idea

Election of officials by the elected is dangerous, because factions can control it

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1266a25)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.33


A Reaction

The British Prime Minister is elected by the elected members of parliament of the majority party. (Boris Johnson is the current PM…). This idea reflects the great concern that earlier thinkers had about factions in politics.