and polity, in addition to the ethical difference in the government, for what Aristotle calls "polity"
retains some oligarchic elements ( 1293b). But between monarchy and tyranny the only difference
is ethical.
He is emphatic in distinguishing oligarchy and democracy by the economic status of the governing
party: there is oligarchy when the rich govern without consideration for the poor, democracy when
power is in the hands of the needy and they disregard the interest of the rich.
Monarchy is better than aristocracy, aristocracy is better than polity. But the corruption of the best
is worst; therefore tyranny is worse than oligarchy, and oligarchy than democracy. In this way
Aristotle arrives at a qualified defence of democracy; for most actual governments are bad, and
therefore, among actual governments, democracies tend to be best.
The Greek conception of democracy was in many ways more extreme than ours; for instance,
Aristotle says that to elect magistrates is oligarchic, while it is democratic to appoint them by lot.
In extreme democracies, the assembly of the citizens was above the law, and decided each
question independently. The Athenian lawcourts were composed of a large number of citizens
chosen by lot, unaided by any jurist; they were, of course, liable to be swayed by eloquence or
party passion. When democracy is criticized, it must be understood that this sort of thing is meant.
There is a long discussion of causes of revolution. In Greece, revolutions were as frequent as
formerly in Latin America, and therefore Aristotle had a copious experience from which to draw
inferences. The main cause was the conflict of oligarchs and democrats. Democracy, Aristotle
says, arises from the belief that men who are equally free should be equal in all respects;
oligarchy, from the fact that men who are superior in some respect claim too much. Both have a
kind of justice, but not the best kind. "Therefore both parties, whenever their share in the
government does not accord with their preconceived ideas, stir up revolution" ( 1301a).
Democratic governments are less liable to revolutions than oligarchies, because oligarchs may fall
out with each other. The oligarchs seem to have been vigorous fellows. In some cities, we are told,
they swore an oath: "I will