Single Idea 19970

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / d. Elites]

Full Idea

When the nobility is numerous, there must be a senate to regulate those matters which the body of nobles is incapable of deciding. Thus aristocracy of a kind resides in the senate, democracy in the body of nobles, while the people is nothing.

Gist of Idea

If the nobility is numerous, the senate is the artistocracy, and the nobles are a democracy

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 02.03)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.119


A Reaction

This presumes that the body of nobles elects the senate.