Aristocracy

a privileged, educated, and powerful upper class that rules society. Interpreted by Plato and Aristotle as government by the best.

Balance of principles

-       Edmund Burke’s view of the British constitution as monarchy directed by laws, balanced by an aristocracy and controlled by democracy.

Democracy

-       rule by the people, usually via elected representatives, under a constitution that provides for the protection of basic rights and majority rule. Interpreted by Plato and Aristotle as government by the poor.          

Divine law

-       law revealed by God and found in scripture that helps humans understand natural law while guiding them toward their supernatural end.

Eternal law

-       the reason of God “God’s grand design” by which things are governed.

General will

-       the constant will of sovereign people; the public good or public interests that are always right.

Human law

-       application in specific circumstances, of natural law in our earthly affairs.

rule established by authority or custom; according to Thomas Aquinas “ an ordinance or reason for the common good, promulgated by him who has the care of the community” 

Modified laissez- faire political economy

economy without government intervention; compatible with liberty, the satisfaction of human needs and the advancement of individual and social happiness.

that part of eternal law known through reason such as the ability to discern good from evil.

Oligarchy

generally understood as government by the few even for the corrupt and selfish purposes according to Plato it meant government by the rich and money loving.

Polity

-       Constitutional government a mixture of believed by Aristotle to provide the best practicable good life.