A third
species is where every freeman has a right to a share in the
government, which he will not accept for the cause already assigned;
for which reason here also the supreme power will be in the law. The
fourth species [1293a] of democracy, the last which was established in
order of time, arose when cities were greatly enlarged to what they
were at first, and when the public revenue became something
considerable; for then the populace, on account of their numbers, were
admitted to share in the management of public affairs, for then even
the poorest people were at leisure to attend to them, as they received
wages for so doing; nay, they were more so than others, as they were
not hindered by having anything of their own to mind, as the rich had;
for which reason these last very often did not frequent the public
assemblies and the courts of justice: thus the supreme power was
lodged in the poor, and not in the laws. These are the different sorts
of democracies, and such are the causes which necessarily gave birth
to them.
The first species of oligarchy is, when the generality of the state
are men of moderate and not too large property; for this gives them
leisure for the management of public affairs: and, as they are a
numerous body, it necessarily follows that the supreme power must be
in the laws, and not in men; for as they are far removed from a
monarchical government, and have not sufficient fortune to neglect
their private affairs, while they are too many to be supported by the
public, they will of course determine to be governed by the laws, and
not by each other.
Pages:
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170