4 - I. 8), and in the obvious assumptions within his definition of "citizenship" rights in connection with his beliefs about the relative authority of female intellect (Politics, I. 13 -- I. 14).
The Concept of State Constitutions
Aristotle argues that the ideal set of values of society as represented in the state constitution are those that are the product of a hybrid between the rule of the few over the many and the rule of many (Politics, I.7). More specifically, Aristotle criticized Oligarchies and strict Democracies as deviant political systems because in his conception, they entailed exclusive rule by the wealthy over the poor or vice-versa, respectively (Politics, III.8 & IV.4). Conversely, Polity provides a just political system whereby a mix of all social classes contributes to the principles of the state constitution (Politics, IV.11).
According to Aristotle, the ideal constitution would be that established and maintained by a society consisting exclusively of morally just individuals (Politics, VII.13). In such an ideal society, all citizens would have an equal opportunity to contribute to state leadership, all citizens would share a similar education, and the state...
9 & 11; IV. 13). Recognizing that human societies consist of individuals of many different degrees of moral virtue, Aristotle proposes the second best constitution represents a Polity combining elements of Aristocracy, Democracy, and Oligarchy (Politics, IV.11).
Conclusion
In general principle, Aristotle's Politics provides an objectively valid characterization that the primary purpose of the state is to benefit the greatest number of citizens and that the main role of politicians is to establish and maintain just laws. Aristotle recognizes that the ideal constitution would require a society composed exclusively of morally virtuous individuals. Since human societies actually consist of a mix of individuals of varying moral virtue, Aristotle proposes a more realistic outline of a second-best society or Polity. In macroscopic perspective, Politics provides a set of fundamental principles that accurately define the modern role of government and state leadership. Only in the microscopic sense, such as the precise criteria for determining who qualifies for state citizenship and who does not does Politics fail logically and morally.
