Aristotle's Constitutional State

Aristotle’s Description of the Constitutional State
State is made up of the citizens who compose it
“A body of citizens sufficing for the purposes of life”
A citizen:
Very elitist view of citizens
One who shares in the administration of justice
A citizen is one who helps make the laws of the state
The citizen needs leisure time and relaxation to cultivate his mind
Only those that meet this qualification are truly citizens because only they have the time
Possession of arms is a condition of citizenship
Political power is reserved for the wealthy, while those who cannot afford weaponry have no say.
A good citizen honors and upholds the constitution good citizenship requires that the citizen be free from the necessary tasks of life.

Constitution
“the essence of the state must be sought for in its form or constitution” the constitution is not only the state but the character of the community
Two types of constitutions:
Just constitutions geared toward bringing about well-being for all of their respective citizens
Unjust constitutions geared toward the benefit of those in power.
The city as an entity much greater than the simple sum of its citizens.
Strength of the Community man can only become fully human when he engages in the political association
The basic unit of association is the household
House hold relationship of father to child
Resembles king and subjects relationship father rules by virtue of his children's love for him and their respect of his age. the next is the village the ultimate association is the city humans seeking to attain the highest quality of life naturally move here man fails to fulfill his ultimate purpose when he is disconnected from the state life has no value outside the confines of the state.
Men are worse than animals when separated from the city
“man is by nature a political animal”
Acquisition of unnecessary wealth leads to indulgence