Essay Three: Machiavelli's The Prince and Qualities of a Good Leader
Preparation
Read Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince (Links to an external site.) printed in the Current Issues textbook on pages 669-681.
What does Machiavelli have to say about the qualities of a good leader? Summarize Machiavelli's ideas in your own words.
Instructions
In a 3-4 page essay, respond to the following prompt: Who is the greatest world leader of the 21st century and why?
Use your primary research and your understanding of The Prince to develop a clear thesis and well-organized paragraphs (Introduction, Body, and Conclusion) to support your argument.
Suggested Essay Outline
Answer these questions for your readers.
(1) Who is Machiavelli?
(2) Why did he write The Prince?
(3) What are the important leadership qualities identified in the work?
(4) Which quality do you believe to be the most important?
This last sentence is the basis for your thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs. Use specific examples from the Prince, your primary research interviews and your own experiences to support the thesis.
Conclusion. Restate the thesis (using different words), summarize what others who disagree with your thesis might argue and why. Comment on the value of strong leaders in any society.
Works Cited Page. Include at least two sources on the Works Cited page:
(1) The Prince, and
(2) Your primary research interviews.