Full Idea
It is the duty of the rulers of a republic or a kingdom to preserve the foundations of the religion they hold; if they do this, it will be an easy thing for them to keep their state religious, and consequently good and united.
Gist of Idea
Rulers should preserve the foundations of religion, to ensure good behaviour and unity
Source
Niccolo Machiavelli (The Discourses [1520], I.12)
Book Reference
Machiavelli,Niccolo: 'The Prince, selections from Discourses', ed/tr. Plamenatz,J [Fontana 1972], p.169
A Reaction
This is the germ of Marx's view, that the sole role of religion is political, as a tool used by the ruling classes to keep the populace in their place. The same idea can be found in Critias (Idea 542). But what is wrong with some central moral guidance?
Related Idea
Idea 542 Fear of the gods was invented to discourage secret sin [Critias]