Political structures From the Classical World
In the classical world, Aristotle focuses on different kinds of political structures. Political structures in the classical world revolved around the relationship between civilians and leaders. Aristotle believed that citizens in a political state should live independent of society but be part of the state’s social structure. There are six types of political structures discussed by Aristotle. These political structures were developed based on the basis of the number of individuals involved in governance and the type of interests those people have in leadership positions.
Aristotle paired the six political structures. One structure represented leadership where leaders had citizens’ interests at heart. The other part of the pair represented leaders who had personal interests ahead of those of their subjects. A monarchy is a structure where a royalty group or family rules. The monarchial leader like a king or queen rules with the citizens’ interests at heart. The other political similar to a monarchy is the tyranny. This political structure has one ruler who imposes his rule on the citizens.
An aristocracy and an oligarchy are political structures with more than one ruler. In an aristocracy, the rulers are a group of elites in the state who rule with the nation’s interests in mind. However, oligarchy political system is where the leadership is made of a group of people whose interests are entirely personal at the expense of the citizens.
A democracy and a polity are political systems where the citizens have power to rule. In the case of a polity, the people have control over the policies governing them, and their wishes are accomplished. However, in a democracy, representatives are elected by the public to make policies and govern the state. In democracies, only interests of the leaders are accomplished, the people, especially minority groups do not benefit from this political structure.
Based on Aristotle’s assessment, the best for of political structure is the polity, which could be a constitutional government. This is because this political structure is effective and in case it degenerates, it forms a democratic government. The degenerated form of government of a polity does not have harmful effects on governance or the people.
References
Aristotle. (476 B.C). The Classical World. Retrieved September 2012, 14, from http//:www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/plato-republic-philosopherking.html
