These things being determined, it follows in the next place that we should consider how many polities there are, and what they are, and in the first place such of them as are rightly established. For from hence, the deviations of them from rectitude will be apparent. Since, however, a polity and administration signify the same thing; but the administration is that which has the principal authority in cities; and it is necessary that this authority should be possessed either by one person, or by a few, or by many;—this being the case, when indeed one person, or a few, or many, govern with a view to the general good, then these polities are necessarily well governed. But when they govern with a view to the particular good of one person, or of a few, or of the multitude, then the polities are degeneracies. For either it must be said, that those of whom the community consists, are not citizens, or else it is necessary that they should share in the advantages of government. Of monarchies, however, we are accustomed to call that which looks to the general good, a kingdom; but we call the state which is governed by more than one person, and yet only by a few, an aristocracy, either because the most excellent men govern, or because the government is directed to that which is best for the city, and for those who partake of it. But when the multitude govern for the general good, it is called by the common name of all polities, a polity. This, however, happens reasonably. For it is possible for one person, or a few to excel in virtue; but it is a very difficult thing for many to be eminent in every virtue, and especially in warlike virtue; for this is generated in a multitude. Hence, in this polity, the belligerent will be the most principal part, and those who carry arms will have a share in the government. But the degenerations in the above-mentioned polities are, of a kingdom, indeed, a tyranny; of an aristocracy, an oligarchy; and of a polity, a democracy. For a tyranny is a monarchy, in which the advantage of the monarch is the object of government. But in an oligarchy the advantage of the rich only is considered; and in a democracy that of the poor only. No one of these, however, has in view the general good.
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