Political Science 101

Lab II

I. Look at the background information for Machiavelli and The Prince. Look at the web sites linked on the class page. Be sure to have The Prince read for next week!

II. Compare and contrast the political environments of Utopia and The Prince. Write a brief essay in which you identify the main features of both systems, indicate which is a more effective political system and state the reasons for your choice. How would you use these works in an analysis of modern politics? (1-3 pages)

You may find it useful to look at a contemporary assessments of Machiavelli at the following addresses:

"Political Morality? Machiavelli Encouraged a Flexible Approach Five Centuries Ago"

By Andrew Curry Special to The Washington Post Wednesday, January 13, 1999

http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~lauriej/marticle.html

Compare the Prince to a modern view The Executive at

http://www.proaxis.com/~pharmon/contents.htm