Machiavelli has been described as the first political thinker to discuss politics as a public responsibility that cannot afford to operate according to the moral rules that govern private life. According to Machiavelli, what rules govern private morality in the Italy of his time and do they differ from the rules of private morality in the Roman republic? What moral rules, if any, should govern political leaders in their treatment of their own citizens, rival political leaders, and other countries—including allies and enemies? Should leaders of republics be subject to different moral rules than other leaders? With what specific arguments does Machiavelli justify his position on the relationship of politics and morality?