Polybius' View of a Mixed Constitional Government

In Book VI of his Histories, the Roman-era Greek historian Polybius (circa 200-118 B.C.) discusses the concept of the "mixed constitution" which, he believed, was the characterization best describing the form of Roman government under which he lived. It is a treatise more along the lines of philosophical discussion than history per se, and Polybius anticipated criticism from various Greek schools of philosophy, notably that of Plato (circa 428-347 B.C.) and his followers. Polybius was correct in this sense: while both he and Plato consider justice an essential part of any government, the older philosopher approaches the concept of state from an ethical perspective, while Polybius concentrates upon the stability engendered by a well-designed, "mixed constitutional" government. Curiously, both cite the same source as a model - the Spartan system of government - and both consider the evolutions of government in similar fashion. Yet, as noted already, Polybius and Plato use their examples to different ends. It will be the purpose of this paper to identify some of their points in common and, equally important, the points of departure that lead these two Greeks to different considerations of the state and its essential nature.

In describing the superiority of a mixed constitution, Polybius puts forth the argument - based on historical examples and analogies with stories about human nature - that the Roman system is the best possible form of government since it provides a

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gard as the best constitution that which partakes of all three of these elements (VI, 3). In Polybius' historical view, Lycurgus was the first to construct a constitution - that of Sparta - on this principle (VI, 3)... that no part should become unduly predominant, and be perverted into its kindred vice; and that, each power being checked by the others, no one part should turn the scale or decisively out-balance the others; but that, by being accurately adjusted and in exact equilibrium, the whole might remain long steady...[This] he did without the discipline of adversity, because he was able to foresee by the light of reason the course which events naturally take and the source from which they come (VI, 10). Polybius admires the Spartan model in order to give historical credence to his subsequent description of the mixed-constitution Roman government (VI, 11-14). The Roman government fits into the Spartan model thus: the citizens (a democracy) elect and approve the actions of the Senate (an aristocracy), which makes laws and governs the purse-strings of the Consuls they elect periodically (a kingship), who in turn administer the government and lead it in everyday matters. This system provides a number of internal checks-

Category: Government - P