In addition to the advantage of the distinction between the two
powers [Sovereign and Government], it [aristocracy] has that of the
choice of its members. For in popular government all citizens are born
magistrates; but this type of government [aristocracy] limits them to a
small number, and they become magistrates only by election, a means
by which probity, enlightenment, experience, and all the other
reasons for public preference and esteem are so many guarantees of
being well governed