1. Sourcing
How may the time period impact the source (think about 16th century Italian politics)? And how might existing politics affect Machiavelli’s new political theories?
Why is Machiavelli a CIVIC Humanist (as in opposition of who?)
Who is his audience?
According to him, what makes a good leader?
What were were some qualities of a good ruler?

2. How would Machiavelli feel about The Education of a Christian Prince by Erasmus?
In navigation the wheel is not given to him who surpasses his fellows in birth, wealth, or appearance, but rather to him who excels in his skill as a navigator, in his alertness, and in his dependability. Just so with the rule of a state: most naturally the power should be entrusted to him who excels all in the requisite kingly qualities of wisdom, justice, moderation, foresight, and zeal for the public welfare.
-- (Erasmus)
How may this source have been different if produced in the North?
Civic humanists want people to be ideal citizen (active) and intellectual (passive)

3. Machiavellian Politics
Is this applicable today?
Is this a satire or handbook?
In what ways does Machiavelli’s writing demonstrate his admiration for ancient rulers?
What were some of the characteristics of the new political authority according to Machiavelli?

4. Takeaways He’s being satirical!
Objective: Admiration for Greek and Roman political institutions supported a revival of civic humanist culture in the Italian city-states and produced secular models for individual and political behavior

5. Practical Application of Machiavelli: New Monarchs
New monarchies laid the foundation for the centralized modern state:
By establishing monopolies on tax collection
By military force
By the dispensing of justice
By gaining the right to determine the religion of their subjects

6. Short Answer Question
Historians typically refer to New Monarchs in Early Modern Europe as the “Founders of Stability”.
What are TWO reasons why this is a strong characterization of the New Monarchs? (2-3 sentences)
What is ONE reason why this is NOT a strong characterization of the New Monarchs? (2-3 sentences)