How did Aristotle’s political views reflect the limits of citizenship in ancient Greek city-states?

Aristotle’s political philosophy reflects the inherent limitations of citizenship in the ancient Greek city-state by defining the polis as an exclusive community where the "good life" is reserved for a select minority.12

His views on citizenship were constrained by several hierarchical and exclusionary principles:

• Exclusion of Non-Citizens: Aristotle explicitly excluded those he deemed unfit for full political participation, including women, laborers, and those he categorized as "slaves by nature." He argued that some individuals were inherently inferior and better served by being controlled by a master, a stance that provided a theoretical justification for slavery within the social order.12
• Aristocratic Bias: While he analyzed various constitutions, Aristotle maintained an aristocratic disdain for commerce and favored a system where the "best-qualified" citizens held power. His ideal state was a conservative, hierarchical order that prioritized stability and the rule of law over broad democratic inclusion.12
• Functional Purpose: He viewed the state as a natural, self-sufficient community where citizens functioned like parts of a whole to achieve a common good. This perspective prioritized the collective stability of the state over individual rights, reflecting the realities of ancient Greek societies where citizenship was a restricted status rather than a universal entitlement.132