higher in one place and lower in another, as the oligarchy is more or less exclusive; and they allow no one whose property falls below the amount fixed to have any share in the government. These changes in the constitution they effect by force of arms, if intimidation has not already done their work.
Very true.
And this, speaking generally, is the way in which oligarchy is established.
Yes, he said; but what are the characteristics of this form of government, and what are the defects of which we were speaking6?
A ruler is elected because he is rich: Who would elect a pilot on this principle? First of all, I said, consider the nature of the qualification. Just think what would happen if pilots were to be chosen