Single Idea 2821

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

Full Idea

The names for right constitutions (with their deviations) are monarchy (tyranny), aristocracy (oligarchy), and polity (democracy).

Gist of Idea

The six constitutions are monarchy/tyranny, aristocracy/oligarchy, and polity/democracy

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1279b04)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Sinclair,T.A. /Saunders,T. [Penguin 1992], p.190


A Reaction

I found it hard to pin down the meaning of 'polity', even though he makes it sound like the best constitution. Something like 'teamwork'.