The passage between 55b and 555c discusses the "transformation from an oligarchy to a democracy" and that the wish to become a democracy is because gentlemen want to become "as rich as possible". I find these comic and ironic, compared to today's democracy it is the complete opposite. With democracy there is a greater spread of wealth and fairness throughout the society, while in a tyranny or oligarchic governed society the rich are rich and there are a lot of unmonitored poor people. Around section 555d distribution of wealth is addressed and the idea of how that many people can be treated fairly. During Plato's time politicians were discussing important matters that we are still trying to fix in our on government.
Another topic discussed that is very interesting is between passages 556a and 556c. The text examines the issues of laws and virtue. Is this the time when basic laws were being developed after the 'Ten Commandments"? The gentlemen in the text discuss how laws will keep criminals and angry individuals at bay. How their virtues will hold them back from being dishonorable. Later in the text in 557a democracy is defined as "when the poor win, killing some of the others and casting some...share the regime and ruling offices." This statement seems insane, but if you take it into consideration that is what the American Revolution was. Interesting.
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