"Wherever magistrates were appointed from among those who complied with the injunctions of the laws, Socrates considered the government to be an aristocracy"

In this quote, Xenophon is referring to the government of Athens throughout the time of Socrates. Socrates thought that the federal government needs to be an upper class, meaning that it should be ruled by the finest and most competent individuals. He thought that the best way to attain this was to select magistrates from among those who followed the laws of the state. This would make sure that the federal government was run by people who were experienced and respected the laws of the state. Socrates believed that this would result in a more just and equitable society. He thought that the federal government must be run by people who were sensible and virtuous, and that this would cause a better society for all.