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Single Idea 22580
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 3. Constitutions
]
Full Idea
It is evident that the best constitution is necessarily that order in accord with which anyone might be able to do best and live blessedly.
Gist of Idea
The best constitution enables everyone to live the best life
Source
Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1324a23)
Book Ref
Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.160
A Reaction
So what would Aristotle make of the modern welfare state, or the idea of a safety net for those who struggle? Should the state help the best life, and not just facilitate it? Education, infrastructure, health, communal activity….
The
21 ideas
with the same theme
[formal statement of a society's structure and rights]:
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21046
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The aim of legislators, and of a good constitution, is to create good citizens
[Aristotle]
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22546
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A city is a community of free people, and the constitution should aim at the common advantage
[Aristotle]
|
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2821
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The six constitutions are monarchy/tyranny, aristocracy/oligarchy, and polity/democracy
[Aristotle]
|
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22558
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Constitutions specify distribution of offices, the authorities, and the community's aim
[Aristotle]
|
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22566
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The greed of the rich is more destructive than the greed of the people
[Aristotle]
|
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2835
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Any constitution can be made to last for a day or two
[Aristotle]
|
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2973
|
We must decide the most desirable human life before designing a constitution
[Aristotle]
|
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22580
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The best constitution enables everyone to live the best life
[Aristotle]
|
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5852
|
The four constitutions are democracy (freedom), oligarchy (wealth), aristocracy (custom), tyranny (security)
[Aristotle]
|
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1781
|
Stoics favour a mixture of democracy, monarchy and aristocracy
[Stoic school, by Diog. Laertius]
|
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6309
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The principle foundations of all states are good laws and good armies
[Machiavelli]
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21091
|
It would be absurd if even a free constitution did not impose restraints, for the public good
[Hume]
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23261
|
A people, not government, creates a constitution, which is essential for legitimacy
[Paine]
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21077
|
Each nation should, from self-interest, join an international security constitution
[Kant]
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21078
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A constitution must always be improved when necessary
[Kant]
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19861
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There is only a constitution if rights are assured, and separation of powers defined
[Mirabeau/committee]
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22796
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A constitution embodies a nation's rights and condition
[Hegel]
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22675
|
In American judges rule according to the Constitution, not the law
[Tocqueville]
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18294
|
The state coldly claims that it is the people, but that is a lie
[Nietzsche]
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21034
|
A just constitution harmonises the different freedoms
[Sandel]
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21037
|
A ratified constitution may not be a just constitution
[Sandel]
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