Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, The Popular Demand for a Share in Government, The Management of the Populace, The Advantages of Popular Government Summary and Analysis

Sections 46-49 concern popular demands for democratic powers. Men change ambition often; they often first attempt to stop mistreatment but then impose it upon others. Such situations are dangerous. While men err about general matters, they tend to avoid making mistake with regard to the details; some examples are given. Barring the appointment of officials that are evil, Machiavelli advises either to appoint an obviously evil candidate or a very good and noble one. City-states that from their creation have been free, like Rome, are often poor creators of laws that protect liberty...