When discussing the intellectual impact on American founders, we usually hear names like Locke, Montesquieu, Blackstone, and more. However, one influential thinker that is often overlooked is Niccolò Machiavelli. He is not just the author of the prince. This is a paper often associated with ruthless political manipulation, and also wrote a discourse on Livy, a deep investigation into the virtues of Republican government and citizens. This work resonated with the founding fathers and provided insights into the nature of the republic, the dangers of corruption, and the balance of power.
Machiavelli and the Republican Virtues
Unlike the prince's ironic realpolitics, the discourse about Levi reveals Machiavelli's praise for the Roman Republic. Machiavelli argued that freedom flourishes in the Republic when citizens actively participate in governance and hold leaders accountable. In fact, he believed that the general uprising against corrupt leadership was not a threat to freedom, but a preservation. As he wrote in his discourse:
It is impossible for people to maintain a free government without virtue, without people corrupted. (Book I, Chapter 17)
This claim struck a chord with the founder. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and others knew that only a noble and vigilant citizen could maintain the Republic. Jefferson famously stated that “eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.” This is a sentiment that reflects Machiavelli's assertion that the willingness of those who oppose corruption maintains freedom.
Balance of power
Machiavelli's writings also explored the need to balance forces to prevent tyranny. In his discourse about Livy, he said:
Republic facilities must take a form in which the interests of private citizens do not oppose the public interest. (Book I, Chapter 37)
This principle has found a way to the very structure of the US Constitution. The founders recognized that the nature of humans who are susceptible to ambition and self-interest requires a system that requires a system that has been power-checked. Federalist Madison's famous quote, No. 51 – “Ambition must be done to counter ambition” – reflects Machiavelli's wisdom. In Machiavelli's view, Republican freedom is protected not by suppressing ambitions, but by guiding it through a balanced government where competing interests are restrained from one another.
Freedom and corruption
In the discourse, Machiavelli warned that if corruption remains unchecked, it will inevitably destroy the Republic. He explained that Roman downfall was not due to external threats, but rather to internal corruption. As he lamented:
Corruption and obstacles in the Republic will increase if they are not updated by reminding them to their first principles. (Book III, Chapter 1)
The founder took this to heart. They knew that preservation in the United States required not only good laws but also ongoing efforts to maintain citizen virtues. John Adams frankly stated that the constitution is designed “for moral and religious people” and is “completely inadequate for other governments.” The founders viewed the constitution as a guide to not only the framework of government but also to prevent moral disruptions that could put the Republic at risk.
Warning against tyranny
Perhaps the most persuasive influence of Machiavelli on his founder is his harsh warning of tyranny. Machiaberg observed that when a single ruler accumulates unchecked power, Liberty will perish. This is why the founders incorporated the separation between power and federalism into their constitution. They knew that consolidating authority into one branch or one person would lead to tyranny. As Machiavelli briefly said:
The institutions of the Republic must ensure that the governing authority is divided. If you do so, no one will become dominant and will put an entire freedom at risk. (Discussions on Livy, Book II, Chapter 2)
George Washington, famous for relinquishing power after the presidency, was well aware of this principle. His voluntary resignation is an act of Republican virtue, consciously resisting the temptation to unite power.
Machiavelli's practical realism
Machiavelli is often similar to the ironic defender of power for power, but the founder saw practical realism about humanity in his discourse. They knew that mere idealism was inadequate. A successful republic had to predict human flaws and create a system that was resilient to them. Machiaberg's perception that people are motivated by self-interest has encouraged a system of checks and balance that they still endure.
Rejected sarcasm
It is noteworthy, however, that while the founder embraced the Republican ideas seen in the discourse about Levie, he largely rejected the prince's ruthlessness. For them, the end justified the means. Rather, they sought to build a government that encourages virtue rather than manipulate evil. As Jefferson wrote to John Adams, “The Prince of Machiavelli is the job of Republican attention, not the advice of the monarchy.”
Lasting impact
Machiavelli's insight into Republican stability, citizen virtues, and the dangers of concentration played a subtle yet important role in America's founding. Machiavelli provided a theoretical foundation that the founder adapted to a distinctive American context by merging his practical power with a vision of freedom preserved through civic responsibility. They realized that in order to maintain their freedom they must not only desire lasting virtues, but also prepare for corruption and tyranny.
As the United States faces challenges to today's fundamental principles, Machiavelli's words remind us that the preservation of the Republic requires active, vigilant and positive participation by its citizens. The lessons from the discourse on Livy remain relevant today, as in 1776. Power must be balanced, corruption must be fought, freedom must be constantly defended.
