Democracy as the best form of government - Essay Example

Democracy as the best form of government Aristotle’s article divulges into the differences between economic structures (rich, poor, and middleclass) and the two different forms of government, democracy and oligarchy, to determine what would be considered the ideal state. He argues in favor of democracy, stating that as each individual citizen should play a role in the city-state, then the government is required to advocate good life in its citizens. This is an impossible feat in an oligarchy due to the fact that an oligarchy is a government by a few people, as opposed to a democracy, which is accomplished by all within the city-state.

As previously mentioned, Aristotle also looked into the differences found between the three different social classes, pointing out how the larger middle class, as the mean, should be considered the ruling class. This, in a sense, showed that while Aristotle preferred democracy, he was also leaning towards something resembling an oligarchy or even an aristocracy. It could even be said that Aristotle was creating his own form of government. The richer class would not be willing to submit to authority, or government, and the poor class would never be taught how to be obedient, but the middle class was willing to do their part as citizens.

The rich and poor classes varied greatly from each other, yet they also branched off into even wealthier or poorer groups. The middle class, on the other hand, was unable to be branched out, making it an equal class. With the middle class being the stabilized mean, it is believed that it would be best as the political community. The middle class, as large as it is, would prevent the other two classes from attempting to become dominant, which is thought to have been the goal of both the rich and poor classes.

The forms of government that the rich and poor classes would create would be damaging to society, but the middle class would be able to keep it balanced and functioning properly. As such, if the middle class is dominant, a democracy is the best form of government; without the middle class, the poor will bring about trouble and an end to the state. While Americans do adhere to democracy, it is done so without blatantly acknowledging a preferred social class. As a democracy, America includes everyone in the forming of the government regardless of whether they are rich, poor, or in between; however, it has been shown that the middle class is still the most active in the goings-on of the government.

By allowing every person to have a say in their government, the whole population, or the whole society, will have a chance of getting its needs met. In this modern day and age, an ideal state is one that is entirely united, which is accomplished through the exercising of democracy. Despite how we intended democracy to work, we have more or less, albeit unconsciously, followed the concept of democracy as set forth by Aristotle. Even though it is not required, our middle class is the dominating voice in our government.

Then again, like Aristotle said, this may have been due to the fact that all people seek is dominion. The middle class is aware of the power they hold as they mean, and they implement this power as they see fit.