The evolution theory regarding government's origins is largely based on the writings of the Greek philosopher Plato, who believed each city-state would go through five stages in a cycle. Which of the following is not one of those stages?

Question

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Democracy, in which leaders are elected by citizens
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Kingship or aristocracy under one ruler
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Socialism, in which all political and economic activity are controlled by a community
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Tyranny, in which democracy fails, and one leader takes over

Answer 1

The stage that is not one of the five stages proposed by Plato is socialism, in which all political and economic activity are controlled by a community.

Plato's cycle includes the following stages:

1. Aristocracy (or kingship) - the rule by a wise and virtuous leader.
2. Timocracy - the rule based on honor and property.
3. Oligarchy - rule by a few wealthy individuals.
4. Democracy - rule by the masses, where leaders are elected by citizens.
5. Tyranny - where democracy devolves into despotism under a single ruler.

Socialism, as described, does not fit into this framework.