... not always right either; and the people do generally know enough to choose good leaders, making "far better" choices of magistrates "than a prince" does" . In other words, republican authority not only must further the common good but requires a mutuality between leaders and led. There must be a check and balance system between the citizens of the republic the leader of ... in an aristocracy, the rulers, having a predominant role, will be content with their positions in society. At the same time, this prevents the citizens from participating in governance. Machiavelli recognizes the wea...

• Word Count: 4508
• Approx Pages: 18
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... the destruction of Rome. -The Commonwealth of Oceana Here we see James Harrington using Machiavelli as the authority for Harrington's assertions on agrarian law. This is not the only time we see Machiavelli cited as the authority on a piece of political theory, especially those concerning the republican school. Rousseau also uses Machiavelli, although in a different way. His statement in Du contrat social about the necessity ... of a Lawgiver, along the lines of Lycurgus or Solon, at the establishment of any society is obviously "borrowed" from Machiavelli. This is merely a different fo...

• Word Count: 1857
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... of positive law, both men resisted the radical transformation of society through religious zealotry. "[B]oth men,"" Martin writes, "would affirm [liberty], but liberty within the context of authority."" Such views were challenged by those who denied that liberty was a means by which men served ends that were properly human. Pico della Mirandola illustrates this "spirit of the ... Renaissance."" He maintained that man is "liberated from superstitions and unnatural social restraints,...[and]...could recover the lost image of God within himself."" Machiavelli identified liberty as man's se...

• Word Count: 2975
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... of the government in order to protect these right-specifically, the rights of life, liberty, and property. • Considered first philosopher to adopt a clearly liberal stance. • No one has authority over us without our consent. • Any government that violates our right releases us from any obligation to obey it and may, indeed, entitle us to overthrow it and establish ... nature" • World of "perfect" liberty and equality. • Rational, self-interested people would have every reason to enter into a "social contract" to put themselves under the unlimited authority of sovereign governm...

• Word Count: 648
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School