2 - Sharing in Office, Sharing in Power

Summary

Questions concerning access to, qualifications for, and the distribution of offices were central to practical politics in Italian republics. Equality was the main principle invoked, but often equality was qualified or limited by other considerations. The principle of rotation of office-holding was cherished by many, but the principle of equality of access to office conflicted with the recognition that some were better fitted to govern than others. The proprietorial attitude to office and government characteristic of the citizens of Italian republics affected their attitude to the question of the admission of new men to the regime. The technicalities of electoral procedures were matters of vital interest to citizens because they were so influential in determining the chances of sharing in the benefits and honours, which, rather than participation in decision-making, was for many the principal reason for desiring political office.