Aristotle's classification of political systems provides a framework for understanding different forms of government. He categorizes them based on the number of rulers and their orientation towards the common good, resulting in six distinct types.

Aristotle identifies three ideal forms - kingship, aristocracy, and polity - focused on the common good. He also describes their deviant counterparts - tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy - which prioritize rulers' self-interests. Each form has unique strengths and weaknesses.

Aristotle's Classification of Political Systems

Aristotle's political system classification

• Aristotle developed framework categorizes governments based on number of rulers and orientation towards common good
• Three categories by ruler count: rule by one, few, or many (monarchy, oligarchy, democracy)
• Two orientations for each category: aimed at common good (ideal) or rulers' self-interest (deviant)
• Six resulting forms: kingship, aristocracy, polity (ideal) and tyranny, oligarchy, democracy (deviant)
• Classification system provides basis for analyzing strengths and weaknesses of different political structures

Ideal forms of government

• Kingship: virtuous monarch prioritizes citizen welfare makes decisions based on wisdom (Ancient Persia)
• Aristocracy: small group of virtuous leaders chosen on merit engage in collective decision-making (Sparta)
• Polity: many citizens rule for common good blends oligarchic and democratic elements balances class interests (Ancient Athens)
• Similarities: focus on common good leaders possess virtue and wisdom promote overall welfare
• Differences: number of rulers involved selection process for leaders distribution of power among citizenry

Deviations from ideal governments

• Tyranny: corrupted kingship single ruler prioritizes personal interests often oppressive (Dionysius I of Syracuse)
• Oligarchy: deviant aristocracy wealthy few rule for own benefit exclude lower classes (Ancient Corinth)
• Democracy (Aristotle's view): deviation from polity poor majority rule for own interests potential for mob rule (Later stages of Athenian democracy)
• Common traits: pursuit of rulers' self-interest instability potential for social conflict lack of checks on power

Strengths vs weaknesses of governments

• Kingship: efficient decision-making wise leadership vs risk of tyranny succession issues
• Aristocracy: collective wisdom merit-based leadership vs potential elitism exclusion of lower classes
• Polity: broad representation stability through balance vs slower decisions potential mediocrity
• Tyranny: quick crisis decisions vs oppression instability lack of citizen participation
• Oligarchy: economic expertise efficient governance vs corruption neglect of lower classes
• Democracy: citizen participation protection against tyranny vs mob rule short-term thinking
• Aristotle favored mixed constitutions combine elements from different forms balance strengths mitigate weaknesses
• Emphasized importance of education and civic virtue in all government forms to maintain stability and promote common good