BOOK 4 Chapter 9 Why These "Two" Regimes Exist

Chapter 9

I. Introduction: Formation of the Regime (Politeia)

1. Objective of the chapter:
   • Aristotle now explains how the so-called regime (politeia), a balanced mixture of democracy and oligarchy, comes into existence.
   • He will also clarify the distinctions between democracy and oligarchy and how these two systems can be combined to create this regime.
   • Goal: To create a regime that borrows elements from both democracy and oligarchy, striking a balance or "mean" between them.

II. Three Principles of Combination or Mixture

1. First principle: Borrowing elements from both systems:
   • A simple combination can occur by adopting certain legislative elements from both oligarchy and democracy.
   • Example: In oligarchies, the wealthy are fined for not participating in legal adjudications, and the poor are not paid to participate. In democracies, the poor are paid to participate, and the wealthy are not fined.
   • The mixture: A balanced regime may implement both elements, compensating the poor for participation but also requiring the wealthy to participate through fines.
2. Second principle: Taking the mean between extremes:
   • Another form of mixing is by finding a middle ground between the democratic and oligarchic practices.
   • Example: In democracies, assemblies might have no or very small property qualifications for participation, while in oligarchies, there are high property assessments.
   • The mean: A well-mixed regime would require a moderate property qualification, creating a system that is neither purely democratic nor purely oligarchic.
3. Third principle: Selecting different practices from both systems:
   • A regime can also combine specific practices from both systems.
   • Example: It is considered democratic to select officials by lot, and oligarchic to select them by election. Another democratic element is appointing officials without property qualifications, while in oligarchies, offices are based on assessments.
   • The mixture: The regime may choose to elect officials (from oligarchy) but omit property qualifications (from democracy).

III. Key Features of a Well-Mixed Regime

1. The defining characteristic of a successful mixture:
   • A regime that successfully combines democracy and oligarchy should allow observers to describe it as either a democracy or an oligarchy depending on the perspective.
   • The regime is considered well-mixed if both extremes (democratic and oligarchic elements) are present and balanced.
   • Balance of extremes: The combination of oligarchic and democratic principles ensures that neither system dominates, creating a mean that incorporates elements from both.

IV. The Example of the Spartan Regime

1. Democratic elements in Sparta:
   • Some people regard the Spartan regime as a democracy due to its incorporation of several democratic practices.
   • Equality in education: Both wealthy and poor children are raised and educated similarly, and the cost of education is kept low so that it is accessible to all.
   • Equality in adulthood: Once they become adults, the lifestyle of both rich and poor remains relatively equal, with common meals (mess halls) and similar clothing that even the poor can afford.
2. Democratic offices in Sparta:
   • Spartan governance includes further democratic elements:
     • Elections by the people for important offices.
     • The people's participation in selecting senators and involvement in the board of overseers (ephors).
3. Oligarchic elements in Sparta:
   • Other observers view the Spartan regime as an oligarchy due to several oligarchic characteristics:
     • Offices are filled by election, not by lot (which is more democratic).
     • A small number of officials have control over life-and-death decisions (cases involving death and exile), which is a feature of oligarchic systems.

V. Characteristics of a Finely Mixed Regime

1. A regime that embodies both democracy and oligarchy:
   • A regime that is finely mixed can be seen as both a democracy and an oligarchy, but also neither in the strict sense.
   • The aim is to combine elements so harmoniously that the regime functions through internal stability rather than relying on external forces for preservation.
2. Self-preservation of a mixed regime:
   • Self-preservation is crucial to the regime’s success. It must be able to maintain itself through its own structure, rather than through the coercion of a particular group.
   • Key to preservation: All factions within the city—both the wealthy and the poor—should have a stake in maintaining the current system, ensuring that none of the city’s major parts desire a different regime.
   • Contrast with base regimes: Even in corrupt or base regimes, a majority might desire its preservation, but in a well-mixed regime, this desire arises from a shared belief in the regime’s fairness and stability.

VI. Conclusion: How the Mixed Regime and Aristocracy are Established

1. Establishment of regime:
   • Aristotle concludes by summarizing how a regime (politeia), which is a balanced mixture of oligarchy and democracy, should be established.
   • The same principles apply to the establishment of aristocracies, which also aim for a blend of different governance elements, though with a stronger emphasis on virtue.
2. Practical application:
   • These principles provide the foundation for creating a balanced and stable regime that integrates the best aspects of both democratic and oligarchic governance while maintaining internal cohesion and fairness.

Summary of Key Themes:

• Mixture of democracy and oligarchy: A regime (politeia) is a balanced combination of democratic and oligarchic elements, achieved through borrowing, blending, and selecting elements from both systems.
• Three principles of mixture: A regime can combine aspects of each system by taking legislative elements from both, finding a mean between extremes, and selecting different democratic or oligarchic practices.
• Self-preservation: A finely mixed regime maintains stability by ensuring that all groups within the city have a vested interest in preserving the system, preventing internal conflict and the desire for a different regime.
• Sparta as an example: The Spartan regime illustrates a practical example of how democratic and oligarchic elements can coexist, making it both democratic and oligarchic in different respects.
• Internal stability: A well-mixed regime should be able to sustain itself without relying on external forces, ensuring long-term stability through balanced governance.

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