The Strength Gained from Undivided Authority
The importance and usefulness of absolute power in the Turkish state can clearly be seen in the wide extent of its empire and the many successes of its armies. When the Sultan keeps the soldiers satisfied, it matters little, in this form of government, whether the common people are content or not. This was also the judgment of Machiavelli, who reached the same conclusion in the nineteenth chapter of his book The Prince. According to this view, the strength of such a state rests chiefly on the loyalty of the army.
Unity of Purpose in War and Policy
It is a great advantage to a commander when what is useful and what is just are made one and the same thing. In such a system, the ruler meets no resistance at home to delay or frustrate his great plans abroad. Decisions are made quickly, and action follows without hesitation. There are no assemblies to consult, no debates to prolong matters, and no factions to divide opinion. As a result, the ruler may act with speed and confidence.
Comparison with Divided Governments
This advantage becomes clearer when compared with governments where power is shared. The Emperor of Germany, for example, might have met the Turks sooner and stopped their early advance into Hungary during the last war if he had possessed absolute authority over the entire Empire. Instead, he was forced to seek the consent of many princes and to wait for the decisions of a general assembly. While these discussions continued, the Turkish forces were already preparing to move deeper into Europe.
When many heads and many hands are required, all business moves slowly. More time is often spent in argument and debate than in the actual execution of plans. These debates are frequently driven by faction and private interest rather than the common good, making swift action almost impossible Sightseeing Sofia.
Freedom of Action Without Restraint
It would seem a heavy burden to the Grand Signior if he were required to depend on the generosity of his subjects to fund a war, or on the judgment of lawyers who might challenge and criticize his actions as unlawful or beyond his authority. Such restraints would weaken his power and limit his reach.
It is difficult to imagine how any city or nation could rise to become the ruler of a vast empire under such constraints. A prince cannot be said to command a great portion of the world if his hands are bound by endless approvals and objections. Absolute power, though dangerous in many ways, has clearly allowed the Turkish Empire to act decisively and to expand with remarkable speed and force.