Single Idea 22558

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 3. Constitutions]

Full Idea

A constitution is the way that cities order their offices, how they are distributed, what element is in control in the constitution, and what the end of each community is.

Gist of Idea

Constitutions specify distribution of offices, the authorities, and the community's aim

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1289a15)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.84


A Reaction

Liberal constitutions tend to avoid stating what the end of the city is, because that is for the free citizens to decide. Nothing is said, it seems, about the territory or the population.