Machiavelli+and+the+U.S.+Constitution

= ﻿Where and in what ways did these points influence and appear in the U.S. Constitution? = == Machiavelli states, "He who obtains sovereignty by the assistance of the nobles maintains himself with more difficulty than he who comes to it by the aid of the people," (The Prince Chapter IX) He is saying that it is easier for a prince to hold his position if he is appointed by the people rather than the nobles of the country. This influences the U.S. Constitution in Article II Section 1 when it determines that the President will be elected by the people and Electoral College. The President (prince) is elected by the people rather than congressmen (nobles) because the nation is more stable that way because people are easier to please than congressmen, and are less likely to take away their support of the President. ==

What are some other influences Machiavelli has on the way the President is elected? Look in Chapter 9 of Civil Principalities.
= In The Prince Machiavelli assertes that "the chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms" (The Prince Chapter XII) This influenced the Constitution in the Legislative Branch, in Article I Section 8 which gives Congress the power to maintain a navy, call upon the militia, and declare war. Also in Article 1 Congress is given the power to tax and create laws, laying firm foundations for the nation. = = What other things does Machiavelli think a country needs to be stable? =