polity
Quick Summary
A polity is a politically organized unit, essentially a form of political organization. This unit is defined by boundaries set by political authority and typically has its own separate political structure. The most prevalent type of polity in the modern world is the nation-state, with over 190 countries globally, each claiming sovereignty and seeking obedience from its citizens.12345
Polities can be classified in various ways, including by the number of rulers (one, few, or many), by their key institutions (like parliamentarism or presidentialism), or by their principles of legitimacy (traditional, rational-legal, or charismatic). Historically, classifications by Plato and Aristotle distinguished between ideal and perverted forms of government based on the rulers' adherence to law and the common good.3
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aristocracy…of government that Aristotle called polity). Rule by one or the few in the rulers’ own interest is tyranny or oligarchy (or timocracy), respectively, and anarchic mob rule is democracy, as Aristotle used that term.
Read More…of government that Aristotle called polity). Rule by one or the few in the rulers’ own interest is tyranny or oligarchy (or timocracy), respectively, and anarchic mob rule is democracy, as Aristotle used that term.
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AristotlePolitical theory of Aristotle…common interest Aristotle calls “polity”; he reserves the word “democracy” for anarchic mob rule.
Read More…common interest Aristotle calls “polity”; he reserves the word “democracy” for anarchic mob rule.
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