Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did Aristotle consider polity the best practical form of government?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Marble bust of Aristotle with a beard and draped robe, showing detailed facial features and wavy hair, set against a dark background. — Aristotle Aristotle, detail of a Roman copy (2nd century bce) of a Greek alabaster portrait bust (c. 325 bce); in the Museo Nazionale Romano, Rome.

In his political philosophy, Aristotle classified governments based on the number of rulers and whether they governed in the interest of the common good. While he theoretically considered monarchy and aristocracy to be the ideal forms of government, he recognized that these systems frequently devolve into tyranny and oligarchy when rulers prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the state.12

Consequently, Aristotle argued that polity is the best practical form of government. A polity is a "mixed" or blended constitutional order—often described as a form of constitutional democracy—where the middle class holds significant influence. By balancing the interests of different social groups and operating under the rule of law, a polity avoids the instability and corruption inherent in the perverted forms of government, providing a more stable and achievable framework for promoting human flourishing.123