Which form did Aristotle regard as the ideal constitutional government with a strong middle class?

• A. Monarchy
• B. Polity
• C. Aristocracy
• D. Tyranny

Answer: (B)

Aristotle is testing how a state stays most stable and just when power is distributed in a way that includes ordinary citizens and keeps passion in check. In his Politics he calls the form that does this polity: a constitutional government that is rule by many, centered on the common good, and anchored by law. The key is a strong middle class, so people with moderate means participate in governing and feel a stake in the state’s success. This blend of broad participation with established laws keeps rival factions in balance and prevents domination by the wealthy few or by a single ruler.

Why this stands out is that the middle class tends to be more moderate and less susceptible to extreme aims—neither oppressive rule by the few nor ill-considered popular upheaval. The polity thus embodies a practical harmony: it combines elements of ruling by many and ruling by the best in a way that serves the whole community, not just powerful interests. Monarchy risks slipping into tyranny, aristocracy can degrade into rule by a privileged few, and tyranny is rule for one person’s gain. Polity, with its substantial middle class and constitutional framework, best avoids those pitfalls and maintains ongoing stability and civic involvement.