Moore, Terrence: When Aristotle Was Right: A Defense of Monarchy

Modern political theory often equates legitimate government with procedural democracy – competitive elections, multiparty systems, and formal rights. This paper argues that Aristotle’s classical typology offers a more fundamental standard: a regime is good when it rules for the common good, regardless of how many hold government power. Drawing on global survey data showing that citizens worldwide define democracy primarily by welfare, fairness, and protection rather than by procedures alone, I p