BOOK VI
1. CHAPTER I
(continued)
And first, we will speak of a democracy; and this will at the same
time show clearly the nature of its opposite which some persons call
an oligarchy; and in doing this we must examine into all the parts of
a democracy, and everything that is connected therewith; for from the
manner in which these are compounded together different species of
democracies arise: and hence it is that they are more than one, and of
various natures. Now, there are two causes which occasion there being
so many democracies; one of which is that which we have already
mentioned; namely, there being different sorts of people; for in one
country the majority are husbandmen, in another mechanics, and hired
servants; if the first of these is added to the second, and the third
to both of them, the democracy will not only differ in the particular
of better or worse, but in this, that it will be no longer the same
government; the other is that which we will now speak of. The
different things which are connected with democracies and seem to make
part of these states, do, from their being joined to them, render them
different from others: this attending a few, that more, and another
all. It is necessary that he who would found any state which he may
happen to approve of, or correct one, should be acquainted with all
these particulars. All founders of states endeavour to comprehend
within their own plan everything of nearly the same kind with it; but
in doing this they err, in the manner I have already described in
treating of the preservation and destruction of governments. I will
now speak of these first principles and manners, and whatever else a
democratical state requires.
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