In the Discourses Machiavelli states that "the best constructed organizations, those that will live longest, are those that are organized in such a way they can be frequently reformed" (pg 82) and "The best way to reform an organization is, as I just said, to bring it back to its founding principles." (pg 82). Machiavelli goes on to describe a cycle where in an institution starts off as good, then over time becomes corrupted, and is either reformed, or "corruption inevitable destroys the organization". (pg 83) So then what means does the United States possess to stave off the unending tide of corruption that would lead to its inevitable downfall?
The answer I found for this question was the US Supreme court. Like the Tribunes and censors of ancient Rome that "together with all those laws that were such a barrier to the ambition and the insolence of men." (pg 83), the Supreme Court provides a constant sounding board of what is and is not constitutional. The Constitution is the foundation for all structures of our government, and when a law or and act is declared unconstitutional it is essentially reforming that law to be in line with the founding principles lying within the Constitution. That every year the Supreme Court hears myriads of cases is a forces that continually provides pressure towards reformation. This is the way that the United States has and can continue to avoid the pitfall of corruption.
I think that using the Supreme Court is an interesting example of how the United States can hold off corruption and could fit with Machiavelli rather well. You quoted Machiavelli on pg. 82, "The best way to reform an organization is, as I just said, to bring it back to its founding principles." It seems to me that the Constitution would serve as these "founding principles" for the U.S. and in that case, the Supreme Court would certainly bring the country back to its founding principles with their power of judicial review. I wonder if Machiavelli would have advocated for the existence of a similar institution in his own day.
ReplyDeleteMachiavelli picks up on Livy's opinion that Rome's greatness laid in her adaptability. Machiavelli argues that mixing the three types of government together in the Roman republic (the monarchy in the consuls, the aristocracy in the senate, and the democracy in the tribunes and the common people) brought forth an ideal balance. The presence of all three institutions made the political system adaptable to new and unexpected situations. Our republic has headed in the same direction, adapting to changing social norms and technological advances. I find issue when saying the Supreme Court returns us to our "founding principles" however. I understand what you are saying, SCOTUS keeps ambitious lawmakers and elected officials in check by enforcing the original set of rules, but the interpretation of the Constitution has changed with every court. To return to the founding principles would value only three fifths of all other persons. It was changes to our founding principles that has allowed us to progress as a society.
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