Question

“He who trusts any man with supreme power gives it to a wild beast, for such his appetite sometimes makes him: passion influences those in power, even the best of men, but law is reason without desire. . . . “ (Aristotle). Which feature of modern Western democratic government reflects Aristotle’s views as quoted?

A.) the requirement that government actions must adhere to the law

B.) the direct election of members of the legislature

C.) the power of the courts to review the law

D.) the granting of emergency powers to the chief executive

Answer 1

The correct answer is A) the requirement that government actions must adhere to the law.

The feature of modern Western democratic government that reflects Aristotle’s views as quoted is the requirement that government actions must adhere to the law.

Since ancient Greece times it was well known that power changed people. And people in power needs institutions that regulate their functions. If not, power begets dictators, and dictators commit atrocities with their citizens. So that is why Aristotle considered that "but the law is reason without desire." It had no passion and it must be enforced fairly to everyone.

Answer 2

Letter A is the correct answer.

The requirement that government actions must adhere to the law. Even though men in power are corruptible due the passion that influences them, the law can never be. Passions may lead people to wrongdoings but the law has no desires and the government should adhere to the law and act accordingly.