Machiavelli identified his problems with current authority and clearly articulated the changes needed. ... Machiavelli also commented on the role of religion in a well-run political society. Machiavelli viewed religion as a useful instrument for princes to rule a civilized state. ... Machiavelli sees history as a way to learn from the figures that came before him. ... He mentions these figures not because they are closer to any sort of divine revelation, but to articulate that actions of past leaders need to be understood to advance society forward most effectively. ...

• Word Count: 1464
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

And how internal vetting of politicians goes on, "selecting leaders and eliminating mere demagogues-. ... Asking what is generalizable and what is contextual about the work of earlier political scientists such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, or Montesquieu leads to asking the same questions about contemporary and personal work. ...

• Word Count: 893
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate