Book 3: Chapter 1, Citizens & Constitutions Summary and Analysis

Aristotle begins the several sections covered by this heading with a pair of definitions. For the first time in the text he specifies that a constitution is a clarification of the organized system of relationships within a state, along with those relationships between the governing body and the citizens. Citizens he defines as people within the society who participate in giving judgment and in holding political office.

From this, the author unfolds more of a discussion of citizenship. At this time, qualifications for this status and the duties associated with it are not identical everywhere. Aristotle himself was not a citizen of the city-state of Athens nor of Greece, but was in reality a Macedonian.

He describes the relationship of birth and parentage to citizenship. He also observes that regulations regarding this may vary in...