Chapter 1 - Power and Purpose in Political Leadership

Hargrove starts out chapter 1 with quotes from Abraham Lincoln and James Madison to help make his central inquiry on how political leaders effectively combine political arts and skills with intellectual and moral leadership. Hargrove, then talks about, Aristotle, and Machiavelli and how they derived political leadership. Both Aristotle and Machiavelli use the elements of realism and idealism. Aristotle used polity, a form of government that link oligarchy and democracy, to create unity among citizens while respecting their diversity. Machiavelli agreed with Aristotle, but accepted demagogy and deception as a part of a virtuous government. The primary goal in division of labor according to Aristotle is to malice it possible for citizens to live good life of moderation, contemplation, and reason. Hargrove’s final argument in chapter 1 is mutuality under law, is the key to a good government.