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116 ANCIENT GBEECE. [CHAP. 1X .fore compelled to recognise the sovereignty of the people.This certainly implied,that an was to be account^ given tothe commons ;but as in such constitutions not every thingwas systematicallyestablished, there were some states, inwhich separate boards, as that of the Ephori in Sparta,usurped the right of calling the 1tomagistrates account.2In the inquiry respecting magistrates, says Aristotle,several questionsare to be considered How :many magistrates there are, and how greatis their authority? Howlong they continue in office, and whether they ought tocontinue long? Further, Who ought to be appointed?and by whom? and how? These are questions, which ofthemselves show, that republican states are had in view;and which lead us to anticipate that great variety, whichprevailed on these pointsin the Grecian constitutions.We desire to treat first of the last questions.According to the whole spiritof the Grecian constitutions, it cannot be doubted, that their leading principlewas, that all magistrates must be appointed by the people.The rightof choosing the magistrates was always regarded,and justly regarded,as an important partof the freedom ofa citizen. 3 But althoughthis principle was predominant,it still had its exceptions. There were states, in which thefirst offices were hereditaryin certain families. 4But as wehave already taken occasion to observe, this was a rare case ;and where one magistracy was hereditary,all the rest wereelective ;at Sparta, though the royal dignity was hereditary, the Ephori were chosen. But beside the appointmentby election, the custom very commonly prevailed of appointing by lot. And our astonishment is very justly excitedby this method, which not imfrequently commits to chancethe appointmentto the first and most weighty employmentsin the state. But even in several of the German imperialtowns, the lot had an important share in the appointmentto offices. It is uninfluenced by favour, birth, and wealth.And therefore the nomination of magistrates by lot, was1 There were magistrates appointed on purpose, called rodwoXoyforat. AristotPolit vi. 8.2 Aristot. Polit iv. 15.8 Aristot. Polit. ii. 12. MJJ& y