Aristotle's Classification Of Constitutions

ARISTOTLE'S CLASSIFICATION OF CONSTITUTIONS:

The classification of the constitutions is not a modern idea. There are different bases on which the constitutions are classified. Aristotle for the first time adopted a scientific method to classify the constitution.

His classification is based on the study of 158 constitutions of the ancient world. He has classified the constitution on the basis of location of sovereign power and end or purpose towards which the power was directed.

States which seed the good life of all are true or normal states. Those which deviate from that end are perverted states. His classification is illustrated by the following table.

Monarchy is the government by one in the interest of common welfare. When it degenerates into selfish rule of monarch it becomes tyranny. When few people rule for common Good it is aristocracy.

But when they rule in their self-interest, ignoring the common good, aristocracy is perverted into oligarchy. Policy is the government by many when it is just and works for the welfare of all. But when they rule for their own class interest, it becomes democracy or ochlocracy.

Aristotle also referred to the cycle according to which the government changes. When monarchy became perverted, it degenerated into tyranny, which was replaced by aristocracy.

Aristocracy also degenerated into oligarchy, which was replaced by polity degenerated into democracy, which was set aside by monarchy. In this way the government continued.

Though the classification given by Aristotle is more realistic and scientific, it does not provide a clear picture. Critics point out that Aristotle's classification is not sound because it does not rest upon any scientific principle by which government can be distinguished from the another.

It is arithmetical rather than organic, quantitative rather than qualitative in character. Aristotle gave a wrong meaning to the term democracy.

Sir John Seely criticized it on the ground that it was not applicable to the modern governments. He pointed out that Aristotle knew only city-states and they were not like the 'country-states' of modern times.

In Aristotle's classifications there is not place for limited monarchy, a presidential form of government, a parliamentary form of government, a unitary government and federal government. There is no guarantee that governments change in order indicated by Aristotle.

After Aristotle several other political thinkers have tried to classify the constitution. Among them the most scientific and acceptable to modern states is that of Leacock.

Modern constitutions are classified in the following manner.

1. Evolved and enacted constitutions.

2.Written and unwritten constitutions.

 3.Rigid and flexible constitutions.