Chapter 2

Since, then, according to our first method in treating of the different forms of government, we have divided those which are regular into three sorts, the kingly, the aristocratical, the free states, and shown the three excesses which these are liable to: the kingly, of becoming tyrannical; the aristocratical, oligarchical; and the free state, democratical: and as we have already treated of the aristocratical and kingly; for to enter into an inquiry what sort of government is best is the same thing as to treat of these two expressly; for each of them desires to be established upon the principles of virtue: and as, moreover, we have already determined wherein a kingly power and an aristocracy differ from each other, and when a state may be said to be governed by a king, it now remains that we examine into a free state, and also these other governments, an oligarchy, a democracy, and a [1289b] tyranny; and it is evident of these three excesses which must be the worst of all, and which next to it; for, of course, the excesses of the best and most holy must be the worst; for it must necessarily happen either that the name of king only will remain, or else that the king will assume more power than belongs to him, from whence tyranny will arise, the worst excess imaginable, a government the most contrary possible to a free state. The excess next hurtful is an oligarchy; for an aristocracy differs much from this sort of government: that which is least so is a democracy. This subject has been already treated of by one of those writers who have gone before me, though his sentiments are not the same as mine: for he thought, that of all excellent constitutions, as a good oligarchy or the like, a democracy was the worst, but of all bad ones, the best.

In our initial discussion of forms of government, we divided the proper forms into three kinds: kingship, aristocracy, and free states. We also identified the three corrupt forms into which they can decline. Kingship can become tyranny, aristocracy can become oligarchy, and a free state can become democracy. We have already discussed aristocracy and kingship. For asking which government is best amounts to examining these two forms specifically. Both seek to establish themselves on the principles of virtue. We have also explained how kingship differs from aristocracy, and when a state can be called a kingdom. It remains to examine the free state, along with oligarchy, democracy, and [1289b] tyranny. Of these three corrupt forms, it is clear which must be worst and which comes next. For the corruption of the best and most sacred form must, of course, be the worst. Necessarily, either only the king's title will remain, or the king will take more power than belongs to him. Taking that extra power produces tyranny, the worst corruption imaginable and the government most opposed to a free state. Oligarchy is the next most harmful corruption, for aristocracy differs greatly from this form of government. Democracy is the least harmful. An earlier writer has already discussed this subject, though his views differ from mine. He thought democracy was the worst among all excellent constitutions, such as a good oligarchy or similar forms. But he thought democracy was the best among all bad constitutions.

Now I affirm, that all these states have, without exception, fallen into excess; and also that he should not have said that one oligarchy was better than another, but that it was not quite so bad. But this question we shall not enter into at present. We shall first inquire how many different sorts of free states there are; since there are many species of democracies and oligarchies; and which of them is the most comprehensive, and most desirable after the best form of government; or if there is any other like an aristocracy, well established; and also which of these is best adapted to most cities, and which of them is preferable for particular persons: for, probably, some may suit better with an oligarchy than a democracy, and others better with a democracy than an oligarchy; and afterwards in what manner any one ought to proceed who desires to establish either of these states, I mean every species of democracy, and also of oligarchy. And to conclude, when we shall have briefly gone through everything that is necessary, we will endeavour to point out the sources of corruption, and stability, in government, as well those which are common to all as those which are peculiar to each state, and from what causes they chiefly arise.

I maintain that all these states, without exception, have gone to extremes. He should not have said that one oligarchy was better than another, but that it was not quite as bad. But we will not discuss that question now. First, we will examine how many different kinds of free states there are. For there are many kinds of democracy and oligarchy. We will ask which kind is the most comprehensive and most desirable after the best form of government. We will also ask whether any other well-established form resembles an aristocracy. Then we will consider which of these forms best suits most cities, and which is preferable for particular people. For some people may probably be better suited to an oligarchy than a democracy, and others to a democracy than an oligarchy. After that, we will examine how someone should proceed when seeking to establish any kind of democracy or oligarchy. Finally, after briefly covering everything necessary, we will try to identify what causes governments to decline or remain stable. We will consider both the causes common to all governments and those specific to each form. We will also examine the chief origins of these causes.