Niccolo Machiavelli

1.     Drawing Conclusions:

How did Machiavelli’s ideas and actions reflect his respect for ancient Rome?

When Lorenzo de’ Medici died in 1492 his son took the family company as bankers, he was a terrible leader and was banished from the city. A few years after that the Florentines decided to form a republic. And that’s when Machiavelli stepped in. “He became an official in the new government. He served the city-state on several diplomatic missions that allowed him to close observation of some of the leading political figures of his time.” (Niccolo Machiavelli- Inventor of Political Science) As this ruling system went on with Machiavelli being an official, he grew to respect those who knew how to gain and use power. He then created an army of citizens of Florence. But in 1512 the Spanish army defeated Machiavelli’s army of citizens. After his loss he was sacked by the government and once again the Medici family took over.

2.     Analyzing Issues:

Why is it appropriate to call Machiavelli’s work political science?

It is appropriate to call Machiavelli’s work political science because previous writers of political philosophy tried to describe perfect governments whereas Machiavelli wanted to understand how political leaders could best obtain and hold power.

3.     Making Inferences:

What was Machiavelli’s view of human nature?

“He thought that trickery was more effective in achieving these goals than honesty. He also thought that acquiring and maintaining power was more important to rulers than being a “good” leader.” It is more difficult to be both, good and feared at the same time and it is harder to be good, so the easiest for people to get your attention is by being feared all the time.