Classification of Constitutions
Of the Greek republics, which have again and again
risen to greatness and fallen into insignificance, it is not difficult
to speak, whether we recount their past history or venture an
opinion on their future. For to report what is already known
is an easy task, nor is it hard to guess what is to come from
our knowledge of what has been. But in regard to the
Romans it is neither an easy matter to describe their present
state, owing to the complexity of their constitution; nor to
speak with confidence of their future, from our inadequate
acquaintance with their peculiar institutions in the past whether
affecting their public or their private life. It will require then
no ordinary attention and study to get a clear and comprehensive conception of the distinctive features of this constitution.
Now, it is undoubtedly the case that most of those who
Classification of polities. |
profess to give us authoritative instruction
on this subject distinguish three kinds of
constitutions, which they designate kingship,
aristocracy, democracy. But in my opinion the question
might fairly be put to them, whether they name these as
being the
only ones, or as the
best. In either case I think
they are wrong. For it is plain that we must regard as the
best constitution that which partakes of all these three
elements. And this is no mere assertion, but has been proved
by the example of Lycurgus, who was the first to construct a
constitution—that of Sparta—on this principle. Nor can we
admit that these are the
only forms: for we have had before
now examples of absolute and tyrannical forms of government,
which, while differing as widely as possible from kingship, yet
appear to have some points of resemblance to it; on which
account all absolute rulers falsely assume and use, as far as
they can, the title of king. Again there have been many
instances of oligarchical governments having in appearance
some analogy to aristocracies, which are, if I may say so, as
different from them as it is possible to be. The same also
holds good about democracy.
