(Nicomachean Ethics 11811b12–23)*
Since, then, the question of legislation has been left unexamined by previous thinkers,1 presumably we had better investigate it more closely for ourselves, together with the question of constitutions generally, so that our philosophy of human conduct may be as complete as possible. So let us first try to review any valid statements (about particular points) that have been made by our predecessors; and then to consider, in the light of our collected examples of constitutions,2 what influences are conservative and what are destructive of a state; and which have these effects upon each different kind of constitution; and for what reasons some states are well governed, while in others the contrary is the case. For after examining these questions we shall perhaps see more comprehensively what kind of constitution is the best, and what is the best organization for each kind, and the best system of laws and customs for it to use. Let us, then, begin our account.