Download Western political thought and more Lecture notes Political Science in PDF only on Docsity! THEORY OF CONSTITUTION Aristotle was disturbed by prevailing instability of government in his contemporary Greek city states. He sought to develop a model constitution that would ensure political stability. He gave” the theory of constitution” after studying 158 constitution (inside Greece only) Aristotle doesn’t make difference in constitution state and government. constitution = state = government BASIS OF CLASSIFICATION There are two major basis 1. QUANTITATIVE BASIS: i. Number of people ruling ii. Those in whom sovereign powers vested. one Few Many govt. of one, few and many for the interest of people ( pure form of govt.) govt. of one, few and many for selfish interests (perverted or corrupt govt.) MONARCHY most ideal form of government One men, pre-eminent in virtue, having absolute powers Not be made subject to law “Good among men” Aristotle Monarch is similar to Plato philosopher king all should joyfully obey seems the order of nature Deleberative, magisterial and judicial functions are concentrated in the kings hand. Aristotle prefer monarchy due to his association with king Alexander. TYRANNY Monarchy is an ideal form of govt. but practically impossible. Monarch falls a prey to greed, selfishness and arrogance and become tyrant. Tyranny is purely a rule of force Tyranny has no place in rational system of politics ARISTOCRACY Govt. of best men working for the interest of public Merit and virtue are the basis of selection of ruler Aristocracy is perfect state like Monarchy Monarchy (virtue is centered in one man) Aristocracy (virtue is defused in several men) Mixed Aristocracy [element of virtue + element of wealth and liberty] Aristotle Aristocracy is not different from Plato Aristocracy of intellect DEMOCRACY Perverted form of polity Govt. by the poor and for the poor democrats base their claim to power on the free birth and equalities. All are born free and equal All should have equal rights to participate in state activities in respective of wealth, virtue and other qualifications. Aristotle does not accept the claim of free birth as absolute, but also doesn’t reject it outright. He attach great importance to public opinion. CYCLE OF STATES Monarchy normal form Tyranny perverted form Aristocracy normal form Oligarchy perverted form Polity normal form Democracy perverted form CRITICISM FIRST this classification is out of date This is not an exhaustive classification It does not cover number of govt. of 20th century For example, Limited Monarchy, Totalitarian govt., dictatorship, representative democracy, parliamentary system, federation and so on.
