In the “Politica methodice digesta” (1° ed.1603, 2° ed.1614) Althusius used the words ‘summus magistratus’ to indicate the supreme power. This power is legal and limited: it is the power of the urban magistrates. The political lexicon and the political theory of Althusius are founded on classic and Calvinist tradition. This contribution explains the sources of Althusius, his role in the political debate of the early modern age and his innovative ideas about the power. Althusius said that ‘summus magistratus’ can be ‘monarchicus’ or ‘polyarchicus’, because the supreme power can belong to one or more persons. In his opinion, the ‘polyarchia’ is a pluralistic form of government, which defends the cities from absolute power and tyranny and protects their autonomy. So the 'polyarchia' is a good model of government.
Summus Magistratus (monarchicus, polyarchicus)
FALCHI, MARIA ANTONIETTA
2010-01-01
Abstract
In the “Politica methodice digesta” (1° ed.1603, 2° ed.1614) Althusius used the words ‘summus magistratus’ to indicate the supreme power. This power is legal and limited: it is the power of the urban magistrates. The political lexicon and the political theory of Althusius are founded on classic and Calvinist tradition. This contribution explains the sources of Althusius, his role in the political debate of the early modern age and his innovative ideas about the power. Althusius said that ‘summus magistratus’ can be ‘monarchicus’ or ‘polyarchicus’, because the supreme power can belong to one or more persons. In his opinion, the ‘polyarchia’ is a pluralistic form of government, which defends the cities from absolute power and tyranny and protects their autonomy. So the 'polyarchia' is a good model of government.
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