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Niccolo Machiavelli's Theory of Government
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Can the government limit the citizens' rights?
Since the ruler in this theory has near-absolute power, he has the authority to limit as many rights as he wishes, provided that he leaves just enough rights to placate the citizens.
What are the pros and cons of this theory?
What are the citizens' rights?
DISADVANTAGES
- Human rights compromised
- Stability depends on the people's trust in the ruler
In Machiavelli's government theory, the citizens under the ruler have limited rights. They are only allowed protection from invaders and from having their personal property seized.
ADVANTAGES
- A more stable society: the ruler has total control over the country's economy and finances
- Military advantage: ruler can make it mandatory for certain people to fight in a war
How did Machiavelli define rights...
Where does the leader get his power?
To Life?
The people have the right to be protected.
To Liberty?
The people have little to no rights if their ruler does not give them those rights.
In Machiavelli's theory, the ruler is dependent on the support of his people. He must be feared enough to command respect, but not enough to become hated. If the ruler loses the people's support, he would be overthrown.
To Property?
The ruler grants the citizens complete protection of their personal property.
What was his theory?
Which other theories of government influenced Machiavelli's theory?
Machiavelli's theory seems to be strongly influenced by the system of monarchy, as one person holds absolute power over the people. During Machiavelli's life, monarchy was the most prominent form of government in Europe. It is, therefore, easy to see the origins of his government theory.
Machiavelli believed in a ruler, the "Prince", having power over the people. To be an effective ruler, that leader must win the trust and support of his people. According to Machiavelli, the ruler is naturally inclined to oppress the people, while the people are naturally inclined to resist oppression. If both sides clash, a free state, or an anarchy, results.