Florence's political structure was strong during the Renaissance. It was a city-state devoted to the people. This was a key point in helping "Florence thrive to be a powerhouse." ("Focus on Florence") The population was "over 60,000 people during this time," ("Focus on Florence") which was an abundance considering the time period. During this period Florence was a "self-governed, independent city-state." (Focus on Florence") Florence was a city that was governed to "protect the businessman and keep him in power." (Jacobs 16) To hold office you had to belong to one of the merchant guilds. There still wasn't a powerful dynasty or ruler. The highest ranking officials in the city, the priors, only held term for two months. This made the atmosphere of Florence very cutthroat. "Each person was pulling for their own specific group." (Jacobs 17) It made many citizens uneasy. This atmosphere also led the way to the wonderful world of patronage. This

He began to become a European icon after painting in the Sistine chapel. It took him over two years, but after he was done, it was a masterpiece.

Florence was the biggest contributor city-state of the Renaissance because of its political structure, economy and its social balance. It played a big role in history that effects the way we live and learn everyday. The Renaissance time period will never be forgotten, and neither will Florence.

The guilds of Italy had much to do with the economy at this time. They were composed of many people who were wealthy and held a position in the government. The guilds regulated the trade between Florence and outside sources. The guild members were some of Florence's "most influential people in politics and society." ("Focus on Florence") Since Florence had such a strong economy, it was a thriving city-state.

Music was a way Florence also came to power. Lorenzo had a "very talented" (Lorenzo de Medici) organist that "brought people all around Europe flocking to Florence." (Lorenzo de Medici") This helped the business in the area and Lorenzo used his patronage to create a small tourism scene.

Lorenzo "The Magnificent", as he was called, ruled with his younger brother, Giuliano, from 1469 to 1478. After his brother's assassination in 1478 he was sole ruler until his death in 1492. Lorenzo's "greatest contribution to the Florentine society was the patronage of arts." ("Lorenzo de Medici") He helped contribute much to the flowering of the Renaissance.

Many times Lorenzo used patronage for a political advantage. He was the only representive in Florence of the family so it was important that he do what his family wished of him. "Members of the family would send him recommendations of artists." ("Lorenzo de Medici") If he received enough letters for a specific artist, and the letters were true and well written, he found the artist work. He used patronage to help with relations between other countries.

The humanist movement was "felt strongly in Florence." ("Focus on Florence") Cosimo de Medici, Florence's "wealthiest and most influe

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