POLI 101 Lecture 1: Sept. 5, 2014 - Lecture 1
Document Summary
A regime is composed of two things. Who appears to be benefiting and who appears to be running few rule or many rule? (majority/masses rule?) Aristotle"s types of regime page 4 of the text. Kingship - one person embodies the regime, has the power. Commitment to the greater public - preserving common good with the great power. Benevolent dictatorship - looks out for common interest. Gain or aggrandizement of one individual - think golden palaces. Elites work together to ensure their own dominance and well-being/self-interest. Rule by the demos/many in pursuit of their own good. Believed to be flawed because of the many tend to oppress the few. Broad participation and commitment to the public good. Some of the greatest democrats have been distrustful of the masses. Majority rule doesn"t always respect minorities -however defined. Values or principles inform the basic commitment to democracy and limit majority rule.
