Government Through the Centuries

Aristotle was a forward-thinker from ancient Greece that learned from the famous philosopher Plato. He often taught on subjects such as ethics, government, and freedom. From his teachings, one could assume that he would respond to the painting by Howard Chandler Christy with questions of the type of government being formed and the priorities the new government would hold. He would also push toward forming a democracy as compared to an Oligarchy. This is because he believed in the need for variety in leadership to provide the best government for society, not just the privileged members. He would say that the only way for the country to prosper is for the rich and poor to live in harmony. This would mean that capital would not dictate if a person should be a leader; therefore, the majority, the poor, would be happy because their wishes are considered despite not being able to buy influence.

During the late 1760’s and 1780’s, the United States of America had just separated from Great Britain, and the leaders of the new country were desperately trying to instill order in the citizens. Therefore, they decided to write the Constitution of the United States. Many writers, poets, and artist in America at the time were heavily influenced by the changing society around them. Howard Chandler Christy is no exception. In his painting, the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America, he depicts the three major feelings of citizens of America at the time. The first and most prominent is demonstrated by George Washington. Washington was a strong leader and very passionate about the new country being forged from the destruction of the bond between the United States and Great Britain. Therefore, he represents patriotism in its purest form and the many strong leaders that were needed during the beginning of the new country. The group facing Washington represents the supporters of the new country and the majority of the country that wished to see it prosper as a separate entity. However, for each supporter there is another that wishes for things to remain as they were and secretly speak about the future being envisioned by the others. This group is represented by the small group behind Washington whispering among themselves.

Aristotle would have assumed from this picture that the government being formed was an oligarchy. The reason is that the only people found in this picture are mid-aged, to older white males. They seem to be the only ones making the decisions for the new country about to be formed. There is no true diversity among the men just from the image.

George Washington is most famously known as the first president of the U.S.A ;however, he also fought on the front lines to free and form the country he and the other patriots dreamed of. His role in the painting, demonstrate leadership and patriotism, is very well matched with his personality. Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, forward-thinker, and a notable diplomat. Franklin lead the charge intellectually and help form the Declaration of Independence and crafted peace treaties on behalf of the United States. He is seen on the front row of the group discussing the new Constitution, and this represented him well as being on the new countries largest supporters.

Both Aristotle and Tocqueville agree that Democracy is the most ideal form of government. This is because, in order to successfully rule and remain in control of a group of people is to ensure that they are properly cared for and relatively happy. People are also more willing to live and support a government that take their feelings into consideration. A democracy allows people to elect officials with views similar to their own.