Machiavellian Government

In the fourteenth century, the humanist philosopher Francesco Petrarch wrote a letter entitled How a Ruler Ought to Govern His Sate. Nearly a century later, another philosopher by the name of Niccolo Machiavelli wrote a book about governing, The Prince. The two documents show many similarities in content and theme. While the two wrote in similar subject matter, it is clear that these philosophers possess distinctly different viewpoints on how a ruler should govern. In Petrarch’s How a Ruler Ought to Govern His Sate and Machiavelli’s The Prince, both philosophers possess different opinions on how a ruler ought to govern. In particular Machiavelli pays specific attention to the importance of

Maintaining control over a position and government in the United States still functions the same as 16th century Italy on a broad basis. In both governments to maintain control the leader primary discipline must be warfare, expect today instead of fighting with other countries physically we fight monetarily and through technological advancement. Politicians fight amongst each other for campaign donations, policy, and funding for their districts. The outline Machiavelli still applies in many way because those who maintain their positions generally have higher donations and have consistently appeased their districts for reelection. On a global scale we have physically seen aspects of The Prince taken place throughout history after its publication such as with the former Soviet Union or the former British Empire being able to control its state with many different cultures and languages by colonizing and have a strong military. Politicians must always being aware of their political surroundings and ready to attack or defend at a moment’s notice which is no different than a prince in 16th century

In his landmark political treatise The Prince, Italian diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli put forth a framework for ruling a people that is at once derided and deferred to even today. The highly controversial ideology calls for a firm, even ruthless form of leadership that commands respect through any means necessary. Machiavelli allows even for the use of fear, violence and evil where appropriate. But it is in defining where these tactics are appropriate that we enter a discussion about the American political process. In one respect, our electoral cycle differentiates the United States significantly from the feudal hierarchy of 16th Century Italy. In another respect though, a reflection on the wholesale corruption of the former Bush administration may suggest otherwise. Today, it may be argued that many conservative and Republican political figures closely resemble Machiavelli in their espoused extremism but in fact, differ from the philosopher in their overall intentions. Where Machiavelli underscored his framework with an understanding that rulership is for the greater good, regardless of the measures employed to maintain this, self-interest and greed are a common presence in today's political process.

Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince examines the nature of power and his views of power are still somewhat in existence today. I'll discuss this in this essay, emphasizing the following theses. Machiavelli discusses power over the people, dictatorial power, and power with people, shared power. While it is possible for power with to attain greater prevalence in society, it will not completely eliminate power over. In The Prince, Machiavelli discusses two distinct groups of people, the political elite, including nobles and other princes, and the general public. Today in the United States, the first group, the political elite, includes political leaders, religious leaders, business leaders and the leaders of

Ten characteristics of a good Machiavellian ruler are that he must be Prudent, tactical, considerate, diligent, enchanting, meticulous, noble, observant, avoidance of hatred or despise, and war-wise. A prince must be prudent and observant because he must be aware of those that surround him, he should keep a close watch on his servants. In chapter XXIII Machiavelli writes, “ Therefore, a prudent prince must hold to a third mode, choosing wise men in his state; and only to these should he give freedom.”.A Machiavellian ruler is also diligent and considerate of the people that he rules. In chapter XVII Machiavelli writes, “ A prince,therefore, so as to keep his subjects united and faithful, should not care about infamy of cruelty, because with

Machiavelli mentioned many elements in creating a successful government. Another idea of his was, the prince who best known to play the Fox has had the best success. It is necessary to put a good mask, and to be skillful in imitating and pretending. But men are so simple, and governed so absolutely by their present needs, that he who wishes to deceive will never fail in finding willing dupes.

     During Machiavelli’s time, society was much different than it had been for previous philosophers. Instead of storing up good works, so as to enjoy paradise, as the medieval man did, the Renaissance man was interested in all things, enjoyed life, strove for worldly acclaim and wealth, and had a deep interest in classical civilizations. He was born at a time of conflict within Florence, Italy, between the republican leaders and the family of the Medici’s, of which the Machiavelli’s, especially, had a history of opposition towards. After years of conflict between powers, Machiavelli was exiled from his country.

Niccolo Machiavelli was born on May 3, 1469 in Florence. Machiavelli was considered one of the most controversial political philosophers of his time. Machiavelli began working in the Florence government at a young age, employed as a clerk and later as an ambassador to the “Holy Roman Emperor Maximilan, the King of France and Pope Julius II.” Throughout his employment with the government of Florence, Machiavelli began noticing the effects that one person had over an entire country. In 1513 Machiavelli wrote what would be one of his most renowned works “The Prince,” in which Machiavelli expresses his political ideas of ruling a

The Prince is a renown political treatise written in the 16th century by an Italian diplomat Niccoló Machiavelli. Throughout history it has been read by those interested in politics and used as guide for many famous dictators in recent times such as Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. In this treatise, Machiavelli asserts key principles that lay out the foundation of how to gain and maintain power for those who seek it. These key methods which were originally intended as a guide for an efficient democratic government in the 16th century were well received in those times. However, do these principles still apply in today’s world? Although times have changed some of Machiavelli’s advice to leaders is still relevant today. (make better thesis)

Machiavelli as well as other humanist before him and during his time have all been known to have addressed how the ideal prince should rule his kingdom. Machiavelli apart from the others wanted his writing to be unique in its approach even though he was addressing the typical questions that other humanist had addressed before him. Machiavelli claimed to treat politics as politics should be treated and refrained from putting a “silver lining” if you will, over the problems that politics presents(pg. xxii). By doing this the typical topic of human nature, purpose of government and virtuous life were very straight forward and he thrived on this point “Many have dreamed up republics and principalities which have never in truth been

Simply put, for democracy to exist the state must be accordingly structured with principles of democracy. The key distinction between democracies and republics is within the limits placed on the state by the law, especially with concern for minority rights. Both systems generally use representational voting that often takes place in legislatures/parliaments. In a republic, a constitution will guarantee protection for individual rights that cannot be restrained by the government. By contrast, in a pure democracy the majority cannot be restrained in this manner and may, in fact, force its’ ideals on the minority. The most successful and ideal type representational republic is that of the Romans, which Machiavelli holds to a high

Both Plato and Machiavelli profoundly shaped contemporary political philosophy and earnestly gave thought to the nature of politics. While Socrates asserts that an ideal ruler is one who values self-knowledge and the examined life, Machiavelli favors a “Prince” who is unafraid to put the state above all matters. Socrates would entirely reject Machiavelli’s concept of a “Prince.” He would also refuse to support a political system where sovereignty lay within a Prince, as the prince does not care for his subjects; rather, he cares about his own pursuit of power and would create a political system to further his own agenda. Socrates would argue that the Prince does not have a distinct political or moral compass of his own and cannot be trusted

Niccolo Machiavelli was a politician and writer of the Renaissance period in Florence. In one of his works ‘The Prince’ he discusses the great ways a ruler can become king and a little insight on how leaders can gain control and maintain it. He talks a lot about military affiliations and how important they are to remain in power. He also references Italy and their political situations as an example to their downfall to make his points and the idea of a Machiavellian leader.

Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince can be seen as one of the first modern works in political philosophy. It is meant to be read as a guide on how to be a good ruler, and could be interpreted as manifesto dedicated to his patron, Lorenzo De’ Medici (de facto ruler of the Florentine Republic). Machiavelli however, is also attempting through the Treatise to emphasize that the effective truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. Thus, it could be understood that Machiavelli has had enough of these imagined Republics and of these political writers describing how one ought to live. The Prince, therefore, could be viewed as a satirical critique of Plato and Aristotle and their views of an ideal Republic centered around the good of

In Niccolo Machiavelli’s book The Prince, Machiavelli addresses several ideas on how a government should run. As stated by Machiavelli, a government leader should be stingy and not liberal, he should be seen as feared rather than be loved and that he must be cunning and trick other to gain better success.These ideas regarding government should be applied to our own system of government because it will set this country up for success in a way that allows the people to not have the capability to overthrow their ruler and allow peace among all.