You are to write a minimum 3 to 4 page, typed, and double-spaced essay in response to the assignment below. You must use standard one-inch margins and a 12-point font in your paper. Do not use contractions in your papers. (don’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t, etc.). The only valid sources for this assignment are the book, The Prince, and your textbook. Cliff’s Notes, Spark Notes, or any kind of explanatory notes, and other types of outside sources are not to be used as they are often inaccurate and will not help you, but could hurt you. Do not use them! This paper is to consist of ‘your’ ideas.
Assignment:
In a well thought out and well written paper, take a position and answer the question what does it mean to be “Machiavellian”? Is that necessarily a negative title given to someone, or not? Explain. This should be your thesis statement/opening paragraph. The rest of the paper should answer the following questions, referring to the book as much as possible for support. Include quotes to back up your points.
The paragraphs that follow should answer and discuss the following questions:
* What were the goals of Machiavelli in writing this particular document? What role did the current political situation in Italy at the time play in these goals? (You may want to pay particular attention to the introduction at the beginning and the exhortation at the end).
* What role did Machiavelli think the military should play in society and what kind of military did he advocate, and why? (Meaning, who should man the army and why was this method considered “better” than other ways of manning armies?)
* Who was Caesare Borgia and why was he such a dominant example that Machiavelli held him up for admiration? What was the cause of his ultimate downfall, according to Machiavelli?
* Discuss the two animals Machiavelli stated a prince should be like and explain why he thought so.
* Discuss how important, or unimportant, reputation should be to a prince according to Machiavelli. Was it important for a prince to be truly virtuous? Explain why or why not.
* According to Machiavelli, was it more important for a prince to be feared or to be loved by his people? Explain his reasoning.
* What did Machiavelli mean when he stated the ideas that “the end justifies the means”?
In your conclusion address the following: After reading this political treatise, do you feel that politicians today are basically followers of a great deal of Machiavelli’s advice, or do you think they avoid him like the plague? Explain your reasons.