Aristotle’s Regime Types

Question 1

Monarchy / Tyranny

Answer 1

Ruled by one for the interest of all / ruled by one for the interest of the one

Question 2

Aristocracy / Oligarchy

Answer 2

Ruled by the few for the interest of all / ruled by the few for the interest of the few

Question 3

Common Wealth / Democracy

Answer 3

Ruled by many for the interest of all / ruled by passions and a corrupted majority.

Question 4

What do “good” regimes have in common?

Answer 4

They exist for the benefit of all

Question 5

What do “bad” regimes have in common?

Answer 5

They are self-serving

Question 6

Why did Aristotle recommend a “mixed” government?

Answer 6

It creates checks and balances

Question 7

What does “aristos” mean?

Answer 7

Best (educated). In Athens, it was about wealth and being born into privilege.

Question 8

Why does Aristotle label “democracy” as bad?

Answer 8

Socrates was killed by it to be fair. It’s as if cancel culture had political power.