Machiavelli Essay

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Introduce Machiavelli and endless cycle problem
Two themes are agents and institutions
Strong institutions to prevent instability/anarchy
Introduce body things / thesis

Question 2

Body 1:

Answer 2

HEREDITARY PRINCIPALITIES AND RESULTING CORRUPT CITIZENRY

1. Present preference for hereditary (but bad leadership, no everyday virtues, lead to corrupt citizenry)
2. Present corrupt citizenry (war measure but can also withstand bad leader? Naive, not realistic, would become tyrant/wouldn’t withstand)

Question 3

Body 2:

Answer 3

NEW PRINCIPALITIES AND INSTITUTION-BUILDING

1. First problem: High expectations. Must plan for future. Human nature too cynical/crappy. Will become unpopular, can’t build legitimacy.
2. Second problem? Violence can’t be the answer. Too much of a fine line (too hard or doesn’t exist)

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Impossible.
Too many contradictions/paradoxes.
Didn’t really answer the problem. Admitted defeat.