Discourses on Livy · Chapter
Why the creation of the Decemvirate in Rome, although brought about by the free and open suffrage of the citizens, was hurtful to the liberties of that republic. explained
Machiavelli examines why the Decemvirate, despite being created by popular vote, became tyrannical.
What happens
Machiavelli examines why the Decemvirate, despite being created by popular vote, became tyrannical. He contrasts it with the dictatorship, which was checked by other magistrates, while the Ten were given absolute, unchecked authority for a long term, leading to abuse. He warns that unlimited power, even if freely granted, corrupts both the ruler and the people.
Themes in this chapter
Necessity and Reason of State
Machiavelli argues that the unchecked authority of the Decemvirate, even when legally conferred, inevitably leads to tyranny, showing that the form of power matters as much as its source.
Leadership and Moral Character
The character of Appius Claudius is highlighted as a key factor in the corruption of the Decemvirate, illustrating how personal ambition can exploit institutional flaws.
Characters to notice
- Appius Claudius
The ambitious member of the Decemvirate whose ambition spurred the Ten to tyranny in their second year.
Key passages
“Where authority is unrestricted and is conferred for a long term, meaning by that for a year or more, it is always attended with danger, and its results will be good or bad according as the men are good or bad to whom it is committed.”
When power is given without limits and for an extended period (a year or longer), it is always risky, and the outcome depends entirely on the character of the person wielding it.
Machiavelli emphasizes that the duration and scope of authority, not just its source, determine whether it becomes harmful.
“But where an uncontrolled authority is given, no security is afforded by the circumstance that the body of the people is not corrupted; for in the briefest possible time absolute authority will make a people corrupt, and obtain for itself friends and partisans.”
Even if the populace is virtuous, granting unchecked power will quickly corrupt both the ruler and the people, as the ruler will gather supporters and create a faction.
This highlights Machiavelli's belief that absolute power inherently corrupts, regardless of initial conditions.