SCLL Flashcards
Machiavelli “The Prince” dedicated his book to
Lorenzo De Medici
Which Principality is the easiest to maintain ?
Hereditary Principality
What is a New Principality?
Private subject creates his own rulership and accquires land and becomes ruler.
What is a Mixed Principality?
The person is already a prince and moves around to acquire a new land
What is a Hereditary Principality?
The prince inherits the state under his rulership
What is Fortune according to Machavelli?
Pure Luck
What is Virtue according to Machavelli?
Courage, Bravery, Intelligence, True Skill—-THE ABILITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
What is Prudence according to Machavelli?
Foresight. The ability to avoid issues in the future.
When you conquer a place, what are the four things you should do?
1) Kill the Bloodline of the former prince
2) Go live there
3) Make colonist go live there
4)Indulge in Lesser Powers–Take over large powers in the areas and become friendly with smaller states
What is a principality?
A prince rules over a state
What is a republic?
Citizens are elected to govern
What are a few things that Machiavelli states Rulers should NOT do?
1) Change rules and laws
2)take over nations with not the same customs or language
Who does Machiavelli state have “lack of excellence” with conquering Italy?
Louis XI (King of France)
How did Machiavelli state how Successful Alexander the Great’s Reign was?
By the rulership of a prince and his ministers who are slaves, leading alexander(who died) and the prince with great authority.
How are Turkish Empires ruled?
By its prince and the ministers.
What is Prowess?
Skill and Tactics used by rulers (intelligence)
Why are Nobles an issue in Principalities?
Because Nobles are more prone to being bribed and raising insurrections.
What are three ways Machiavelli says you can take control?
1) Live there
2)Destroy the state
3) Create an oligarchy of people who are loyal to you
Why are republics more prone to rebellion?
Because they are used to the lack of freedom and can decide to rebel eventually.
How did Machiavelli mention Cyrus and Romulus?
He mentioned them in a positive way to demonstrate prowess and “acquired and founded” kingdoms. Their fortune was only 1/2 of their success but their prowess allowed for the opportunities and prosperous states to continue.
What is the most difficult thing to handle in an acquired state?
The danger of the changing of the laws or changes in the constitution.
What did Machiavelli state Cyrus and Romulus used?
The threat of Armed Forces
Does Machiavelli want rulers to depend on others or not depend on other’s resources?
To not depend on other’s resources and stand alone (depends).
What should rulers avoid?
Leaving matters of warfare and politics to chance.
Should a ruler do everything–even if immoral or wrong– to secure their state?
YES
What is a pragmatic approach to ruling?
A more blunt, realistic idea to ruling
What does the ruler have to depend on from the people?
Their benevolence and Goodwill