“Speaking generally, he holds dominion, to whom are entrusted by common consent affairs of state”

such as the laying down, interpretation, and abrogation of laws, the fortification of cities, deciding on war and peace, &c. But if this charge belong to a council, composed of the general multitude, then the dominion is called a democracy; if the council be composed of certain chosen persons, then it is an aristocracy ; and, if, lastly, the care of affairs of state, and, consequently, the dominion rest with one man, then it has the name of monarchy.
Source: Political Treatise (1677), Ch. 2, Of Natural Right

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Baruch Spinoza 210
Dutch philosopher 1632–1677

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