human
I'm studying philosophy and I want to learn more about Aristotle’s views on politics. Can you explain this to me?
assistant
Aristotle believed that the state and political systems should be structured according to their function within society, such that each part of the system adds to the whole and enhances the common good. He also argued that a political system should respond to the distinctive needs and values of its constituents, and should be structured accordingly according to justice and equality. He believed that citizens should be given the opportunity to participate in government as part of their civic responsibility. Aristotle's politics taught that there should be a necessary tension in government between the aspirational and the authoritative, with citizens looking to their rulers to provide an example and setting a standard to which all can aspire. Additionally, he maintained the idea of democracy for the betterment of the solidary whole.