Question One: Explicate this thinking of Machiavelli with respect to the following concepts and concerns: a) power and the state; b) internal and external sovereignty; c) fortuna and virtu`; d) the lion and the fox; e) the role of ideology; f) morality. How relevant is Machiavelli's thinking today?
            
             Machiavellian beliefs and ideology had much impact on Italian politics and still carries that effect to politics in the present day. Within his political pamphlet, "The Prince", he employs certain terminology to expound upon his thoughts. His first idea is Power and the State. Machiavelli states that the interests of those in power are not equal to those being governed. He communicates about how once in power the ruler can do as he pleases. If they were equivalent, politics would not be corrupt. "For in power: the support of the populace or the favor of the elite. For in every city one finds these two opposed classes. They are at odds because the populace does not want to be ordered about or oppressed by the elite; and the elite wants to order about and oppress the populace. The conflict between these two irreconcilable ambitions has in each city one of three possible consequences: rule by one man, liberty or anarchy. " (Machiavelli, pp31) Machiavelli believes that a r!
             ulers that came to power with the support of the populace was the stronger leader. He saw it as; a leader that treated his subject with respect gained their respect and obedience in return.
             The second on Machiavelli's concerns is the emphasis of the military in safeguarding the power of the prince. He is of the opinion that the only importance of the monarch should be the art of war. He leaned toward the notion that the refinement of such an art was the primary means for remaining in power and if neglected, the ruler put himself at risk of being overthrown. It was a focal point of Machiavelli's theme in power and the state th...