Today the name Machiavelli suggest ruthlessness, ambition and backstabbing politics. What idea in Machiavelli's book, The Prince, gave him this reputation?

A:

the idea that power should be passed down through families from father to son

B:

the idea that rulers and leaders should treat their subjects with compassion, above all else

C: the idea that rulers and leads should be guided by ambition, not by their moral or religious beliefs

D: the idea that power should belong to the wealthiest people in a society

Today the name Machiavelli suggest ruthlessness, ambition and backstabbing politics, the prince gave the idea that rulers and leads should be guided by ambition, not by their moral or religious beliefs.

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Machiavelli was always in the favor of the rulers and the leaders should take difficult decisions and it is not important for them to be loved but it is important for them to be respected. Leaders should deal with the matters with proper responsibility and full ambition.

He was in the agreement of the idea that for maintaining the stability, discipline and law and order in the country, violence might be used by the officials of the government and the leaders and rulers.