Key Arguments

• Rousseau notes 'the advantage that lies in the distinction between the two powers,' implying that in aristocracy the separation of Sovereign and government is institutionally clearer than in a pure democracy.
• He contrasts birth with selection: 'in popular government, all the citizens are born magistrates; but here magistracy is confined to a few, who become such only by election,' making office-holding conditional rather than automatic.
• Because aristocratic magistrates are chosen, certain virtues can guide selection: 'By this means uprightness, understanding, experience and all other claims to pre-eminence and public esteem become so many further guarantees of wise government,' arguing that merit can be institutionalized.
• He stresses procedural advantages: 'assemblies are more easily held, affairs better discussed and carried out with more order and diligence,' suggesting greater deliberative quality and administrative efficiency.
• He adds a diplomatic advantage: 'the credit of the State is better sustained abroad by venerable senators than by a multitude that is unknown or despised,' arguing that a stable, respected ruling body strengthens the republic’s external standing.

Source Quotes

The first is only for simple peoples; the third is the worst of all governments; the second is the best, and is aristocracy properly so called. Besides the advantage that lies in the distinction between the two powers, it presents that of its members being chosen; for, in popular government, all the citizens are born magistrates; but here magistracy is confined to a few, who become such only by election. By this means uprightness, understanding, experience and all other claims to pre-eminence and public esteem become so many further guarantees of wise government.

Besides the advantage that lies in the distinction between the two powers, it presents that of its members being chosen; for, in popular government, all the citizens are born magistrates; but here magistracy is confined to a few, who become such only by election. By this means uprightness, understanding, experience and all other claims to pre-eminence and public esteem become so many further guarantees of wise government. Moreover, assemblies are more easily held, affairs better discussed and carried out with more order and diligence, and the credit of the State is better sustained abroad by venerable senators than by a multitude that is unknown or despised.

By this means uprightness, understanding, experience and all other claims to pre-eminence and public esteem become so many further guarantees of wise government. Moreover, assemblies are more easily held, affairs better discussed and carried out with more order and diligence, and the credit of the State is better sustained abroad by venerable senators than by a multitude that is unknown or despised. In a word, it is the best and most natural arrangement that the wisest should govern the many, when it is assured that they will govern for its profit, and not for their own.

Key Concepts

• Besides the advantage that lies in the distinction between the two powers, it presents that of its members being chosen; for, in popular government, all the citizens are born magistrates; but here magistracy is confined to a few, who become such only by election.
• By this means uprightness, understanding, experience and all other claims to pre-eminence and public esteem become so many further guarantees of wise government.
• Moreover, assemblies are more easily held, affairs better discussed and carried out with more order and diligence, and the credit of the State is better sustained abroad by venerable senators than by a multitude that is unknown or despised.

Context

Middle of Book III, Chapter V, where Rousseau enumerates the structural and functional advantages of elective aristocracy compared with popular (democratic) government.