BOOK 6 Chapter 1 Establishing Democracies and Oligarchies

Chapter 1

I. Introduction to the Study of Different Regimes

• A. Recap of Previous Discussions
  • Aristotle begins this chapter by summarizing previous discussions in his work. He mentions that the varieties of regimes—particularly focusing on the deliberative and authoritative elements of government, as well as the organization of offices and courts—have already been explored in earlier chapters. The focus was on understanding which types of regime structures are suited for particular types of cities and citizens.
  • The analysis included the destruction and preservation of regimes, examining the causes and conditions that lead to their downfall or longevity. Aristotle makes it clear that these foundational topics were already addressed in prior discussions.
• B. Purpose of the Chapter: Focus on Democracy
  • While the overarching framework of regimes has been discussed, Aristotle turns his attention to the specific varieties of democracy in this chapter. He observes that just as there are several kinds of regimes, there are also multiple forms of democracy, each suited to different types of cities and populations.
  • The aim here is to further investigate democracy and determine what kinds of democratic systems are appropriate for different types of cities. Aristotle seeks to identify the mode of organization that is most beneficial and effective for each type of democracy.

II. The Need to Examine Regime Combinations

• A. Importance of Studying Combined Regimes
  • Aristotle highlights the importance of investigating combined forms of regimes. By this, he means that different elements from various regimes can be mixed together, leading to hybrids such as oligarchic aristocracies or democratic aristocracies. These combinations create systems that overlap, leading to new and complex political structures.
  • For example, the deliberative element (the body responsible for decision-making) might be organized oligarchically, while the selection of officials might be aristocratic. Similarly, it is possible to organize the courts in an aristocratic fashion but have an oligarchic system for selecting officials. These combinations are significant because they can blur the lines between political systems, making it essential to study them.
• B. Identifying and Understanding Combinations
  • Aristotle stresses that these conjunctions of different political elements should be analyzed carefully. He notes that although some combinations may seem arbitrary or incomplete, they could still function effectively in certain contexts. What matters is understanding how these hybrid structures work and what impact they have on governance.
  • The combinations of different regime elements must be tailored to fit the specific needs and conditions of the city. Aristotle implies that no single regime type, in its purest form, can always be applied universally; rather, regimes often need to be adapted to suit the characteristics of the city and its people.

III. Suitability of Democracy and Oligarchy for Different Cities

• A. The Question of Appropriate Democracy for Each City
  • Aristotle shifts focus to the question of what sort of democracy is appropriate for different kinds of cities. This also applies to oligarchy, as the two systems are often seen as opposites, yet both have different varieties that can be more or less suitable for various populations.
  • For democracy, Aristotle emphasizes that one must consider the composition of the population—particularly in terms of wealth, occupations, and social classes—to determine which kind of democratic government will function best.
• B. Relationship Between Regime Types and the Composition of the Population
  • Aristotle suggests that different populations give rise to different kinds of democracies. For instance, a city composed primarily of farmers might require a different kind of democracy than one made up of laborers or artisans. The composition of the population not only affects whether the democracy is better or worse, but it also shapes the type of democracy that emerges.
  • Similarly, the character of oligarchies—which are based on the rule of the wealthy—also depends on the nature of the multitude within the city. Aristotle suggests that understanding the social composition of the populace is critical for determining the appropriate regime.

IV. Investigating the Characteristics of Democracies

• A. Multiple Forms of Democracy
  • Aristotle underscores that there are multiple kinds of democracy, not just a single uniform type. These varieties arise from two key factors:
    • 1. The Composition of the People: The first reason for different forms of democracy is that different populations have different characteristics. For example, a democracy made up primarily of farmers will be distinct from one where laborers or artisans are the majority. These differences in population create different forms of democracy, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
    • 2. The Constitutional Accompaniments of Democracy: The second reason for the diversity in democracies is the way in which various constitutional elements are brought together. Each democracy is shaped by the particular combination of elements such as laws, customs, and institutions that accompany it. Some democracies may incorporate only a few of these elements, while others incorporate more or all of them, leading to different types of democratic governance.
• B. Bringing Together Democratic Elements
  • Aristotle emphasizes that the key to understanding the various forms of democracy lies in examining how the different characteristics of democracy are brought together. Democracies differ based on which elements are combined, and these combinations determine whether a democracy is better or worse. Some democracies may only have a few defining characteristics of democracy, while others may incorporate all of them.
  • These elements include factors like how officials are selected, how the courts are organized, and the distribution of power within the regime. The combination of these elements creates different democratic systems, each with its own unique nature.

V. Utility of Understanding Different Democratic Forms

• A. Practical Applications
  • Aristotle highlights the practical importance of understanding the different kinds of democracy. For those involved in establishing or reforming regimes, it is crucial to be familiar with these various forms. An understanding of these democratic characteristics helps leaders to establish the type of democracy that is most suitable for their city, or to reform an existing democracy by introducing the necessary elements.
  • Aristotle suggests that those who seek to create or modify regimes often attempt to combine every possible feature of their desired regime. However, this can lead to errors, as trying to incorporate every feature may undermine the regime’s stability or effectiveness. This has been discussed earlier in Aristotle’s treatment of the destruction and preservation of regimes.
• B. The Claim and Character of Democracies
  • Aristotle concludes this section by suggesting that in order to create or reform a democracy, it is necessary to understand the claim and character of the different types of democracy and what they strive for. He signals that in the following sections, he will delve into the defining characteristics and goals of different democratic systems, laying the groundwork for understanding how they function and what makes them succeed or fail.

Summary of Major Themes

1. Diversity of Regimes and Democracies: Aristotle emphasizes that just as there are multiple types of regimes, there are also different kinds of democracy. These variations arise from differences in population composition and the specific constitutional elements that accompany each system.
2. Combining Elements: Regimes are often hybrid systems that combine different elements of democracy, oligarchy, aristocracy, and monarchy. The effectiveness of a regime depends on how these elements are combined and tailored to the specific needs of the city.
3. Suitability of Regimes: It is essential to understand the nature of the population in a city to determine what kind of regime—whether democracy or oligarchy—is best suited for it. The regime must be adapted to the social structure, occupations, and wealth distribution of the people.
4. Practical Applications: Aristotle stresses the practical value of understanding different forms of democracy for establishing or reforming regimes. Leaders must be cautious not to overextend or misapply democratic elements, as doing so can lead to regime instability.
5. Claims and Character of Democracies: The defining claims and characteristics of each type of democracy need to be thoroughly understood to ensure that the democracy serves its purpose and remains stable.

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