The Debate on Government
After killing the usurper, seven Persian nobles debate what form of government Persia should adopt. Otanes argues for democracy (rule of the people): monarchs become tyrants, drunk on power. Megabyzos argues for oligarchy (rule of the few best men): the mob is worse than a tyrant, senseless and violent. Darius argues for monarchy (rule of one): oligarchies breed faction and murder, democracies breed corruption - both inevitably collapse into one-man rule anyway, so start there with the best man. Darius wins. Otanes withdraws, demanding only that his family remain free.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Explains the context: Persian nobles deciding government after killing the usurper
Cause & Consequence
Explains Otanes' critique of tyranny: power corrupts, no accountability, envy and insolence
Meaning
Takes a position on which speaker makes the strongest argument
Evidence
Cites a specific argument or phrase from one of the speakers
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge
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