Aristotle's Political Philosophy: The Ideal Constitution and the Role of the Citizen

Aristotle's Political Philosophy: The Ideal Constitution

The Role of the Citizen and the State

Citizens partner to live virtuously within their community. The state's role is to create conditions conducive to this good life. Integrating good and righteous citizens, the state aims to foster a moral life and common law based on participation and decision-making.

From Village to Polis

Domestic communities address basic human needs. However, a village alone is insufficient. It must be part of a larger unit (the Polis) to achieve its full potential.

Aristotle's Study of Governments

Aristotle studied various government types, analyzing around 150 constitutions from different cities. He classified them based on the number of rulers:

• Monarchy: Rule by one
• Aristocracy: Rule by a few
• Polity: Rule by the many

He further distinguished between those that rule for the common good (monarchy, aristocracy, and polity) and those that rule for self-interest (tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy).

Aristotle's Vision of the Constitution

Aristotle viewed the constitution from three perspectives:

1. As a reality: Reflecting the community's life and societal/state dynamics.
2. As an organization: Defining the structure and function of political reality.
3. As ferenda: Analyzing the best constitution for a state.

The Mixed Constitution

Aristotle concluded that neither monarchy, oligarchy, nor pure democracy is ideal. The best constitutions combine aristocratic, monarchical, and democratic elements. He advocated for a system between oligarchy and democracy, termed "polity," incorporating elements of both. Citizens actively participate in public office and polis activities.

Democracy, Freedom, and Equality

Democracy, the government of free citizens, emphasizes freedom and equality, allowing citizens to both rule and be ruled. Aristotle proposed three ways to combine democratic and oligarchic institutions, particularly within the judiciary, by finding a middle ground between the two systems.