Of oligarchies, one form is that in which the majority of the
citizens have some property, but not very much; and this is the
first form, which allows to any one who obtains the required amount
the right of sharing in the government. The sharers in the
government being a numerous body, it follows that the law must govern,
and not individuals. For in proportion as they are further removed
from a monarchical form of government, and in respect of property have
neither so much as to be able to live without attending to business,
nor so little as to need state support, they must admit the rule of
law and not claim to rule themselves. But if the men of property in
the state are fewer than in the former case, and own more property,
there arises a second form of oligarchy. For the stronger they are,
the more power they claim, and having this object in view, they
themselves select those of the other classes who are to be admitted to
the government; but, not being as yet strong enough to rule without
the law, they make the law represent their wishes. When this power
is intensified by a further diminution of their numbers and increase
of their property, there arises a third and further stage of
oligarchy, in which the governing class keep the offices in their
own hands, and the law ordains that the son shall succeed the
father.
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