Role of Common People in a State

Role of Common People in a State

The establishment of dominating political regimes was a significant problem in ancient governments. A few people who formed governments exercised their authority over the majority. People from the wealthy and elite class had the advantage of forming the government. In various countries, political leaders oppressed the majority of ordinary people by denying them equal political and economic rights. Some individuals believed that states should exercise authority over ordinary people. Although every citizen should take part in supporting their countries, Machiavelli had conflicting thoughts with Sir Thomas Smith and Martin Luther concerning the role of ordinary people concerning the state.

Machiavelli believed that ordinary people had an insignificant duty to influence the policies adopted by a country. For instance, a prince was bound to keep a treaty when it supported his interests (Bodin 14). The case shows the thoughts that Machiavelli had towards the role of the ordinary people in their state. He believed that the elite and influential people had the duty to influence government policies and strategies. Besides, the diplomat believed that leaders should instill fear to ensure that their subjects obey them in awe (Bodin 14). This statement implies that ordinary citizens did not have any role to play in the government. Besides, they would not express their interests concerning the state of affairs in the country.

Machiavelli conceived the needs of ordinary people to be insignificant (Bodin 14). In this case, the group did not require effective political representation. Machiavelli’s thoughts imply that they should not have equal political participation and influence in their country. Thus, Machiavelli believed that the few elite and influential people should use their political control to achieve their needs while disregarding ordinary people.

Sir Thomas Smith perceived the ordinary people as having a significant role concerning a state. Smith suggested the possibility of harmonizing the competing economic interests to achieve common good in a country (Wood 138). The supposition implied that the political leaders had the responsibility to adopt inclusive political and financial strategies. Smith challenged the political regimes to abandon self-centred leadership policies. For instance, Smith argued that leaders could transform their greedy into communal well-being (Wood 138). This diplomat went ahead to propose an inclusive leadership as the most appropriate method of achieving equality in a country. In this case, all the citizens should provide active guidance to the government on the initiatives taken. Smith perceived citizens from all social levels as having a relevant role discipline the competing interests (Wood 138). This statement suggests that ordinary citizens should influence all political decisions. Besides, they should regulate the behaviour of their political leaders concerning the developments, allocation of economic opportunities and creation of laws to run the government. Therefore, Sir Thomas Smith conceived people as having a significant role in influencing the political and economic decisions adopted by their government.

Martin Luther perceived ordinary citizens as essential members of a community who play a significant role in influencing major political decisions. Martin Luther focused on reforming the political regimes to fragmented sovereignty (Wood 59). This statement implies that Martin Luther focused on having a country where people had an equal right to political power and influence. Fragmentation of the government would allow ordinary people to take an active part in the governance. For instance, Luther was among the few people who opposed the establishment of Feudal lordship (Wood 59). This diplomat argued that a princely government would weaken the political authority of the lesser noble population. Besides, he challenged the governments to put the needs of ordinary citizens first. Luther managed to put forward the conception that ordinary citizens should receive a full political representation (Wood 61). Lutheran doctrine was useful in controlling the competing powers within German territories. Besides, he motivated the citizens from the lowest social classes to take an active part in the formation and running of the government. Thus, Martin Luther supposed that ordinary citizens should have a significant role to influence the decisions taken by the government.

In conclusion, every citizen should take part in supporting the government in their countries. However, different diplomats had conflicting views concerning the political role of ordinary citizens. Machiavelli had conflicting thoughts with Sir Thomas Smith and Martin Luther on the issue. Machiavelli believed that a few elite people should hold power to control and dominate over the ordinary citizens. However, Thomas Smith and Martin Luther supposed that ordinary citizens should have an opportunity to influence the political decisions and control activities by the politicians.