Aristotle’s classification of the systems of government
Famously, Aristotle classified systems of government by using several different criteria. Describe his criteria and his classification system. Which form(s) of government did he consider best and why? Which form(s) of government did he consider the worst? Why? In what way did his view of optimal governance change in accordance with different circumstances? How did property ownership and/or wealth figure into his classification system? Finally, state whether you agree or disagree with Aristotle’s taxonomy of political regimes.
Aristotle`s classification of the systems of government
The Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that questions of the state, how it should be organized, and how it should pursue its ends, were fundamental to the achievement of happiness. His text Politics is an exploration of different types of state organizations and tries to describe the state which will ultimately lead to the most fulfilled citizens. According to Aristotle, if sovereignty resides in one person, it is monarchy. Its perverted form is Tyranny. If sovereignty resides in a small minority of the population, it is aristocracy. If this small minority uses the sovereignty for its own selfish ends, it is oligarchy.