Republican Liberty and Popular Government

Where it surfaces

• Discourses on Livy

  Machiavelli examines how Roman liberty was preserved through popular participation and institutional checks, despite class tensions.

• IV

  The chapter emphasizes how popular tumults and the creation of the tribunes contributed to Roman liberty, challenging the view that such disorder undermined the republic.

• VII

  The right to accuse is presented as a cornerstone of republican liberty, providing a legal outlet for popular discontent and preventing the overthrow of free institutions.

• That the consecutive reigns of two valiant princes produce great results: and that well-ordered commonwealths are assured of a succession of valiant rulers by whom their power and growth are rapidly extended.

  Contrasts the hereditary succession of kings with the republican method of electing consuls by free suffrage, which allows for a continuous succession of excellent leaders.

• XLIII

  The chapter contrasts the effectiveness of free citizens fighting for their own cause with the poor performance of soldiers under a tyrannical decemvirate, highlighting the link between liberty and military valor.

• XLVIII

  The chapter illustrates how the Senate manipulated popular elections to preserve republican balance, showing the interplay between elite control and popular will.

• XLIX

  The chapter examines how laws and institutions like the censorship help preserve freedom in a republic, contrasting Rome's success with Florence's struggles.

• LV

  Machiavelli argues that republican liberty is only possible where there is great equality and no feudal lords, as in the German free states or Tuscany.

• Chapter LVII

  Explores the dynamics of popular will and obedience within a republic, highlighting the people's collective power and individual vulnerability.

• LVIII

  Machiavelli argues that popular government, when regulated by laws, is superior to princely rule in wisdom and constancy.

• Book II

  Machiavelli argues that republics are more effective at expansion than principalities because they harness the energy and ambition of the people.

• II

  The chapter extols the virtues of free republics, arguing that only under such governments do states achieve greatness, wealth, and population growth.

• III

  Rome's policy of incorporating strangers and conquered peoples into citizenship strengthened the republic and its military capacity

• Chapter IV

  Discusses how republics like Rome, Sparta, and Athens used different methods of expansion, with Rome's approach preserving liberty for allies while centralizing command.

• XXI

  Discusses how cities accustomed to freedom prefer a distant government to one that constantly reminds them of servitude.

• XXXIV

  Discusses how the people, when properly advised, are more discerning than a prince in awarding honors, and how republican institutions provide mechanisms to correct popular errors.