Abstract: Machiavelli defines the model of government in ancient Rome, both in its regal and republic periods, as "vivere civile". For what is "vivere civile", the republican interpretation of Skinner, a scholar of Cambridge School, occupies a dominant position in the academic circle. He holds that it is a political life independent of the external power, in which citizens conduct self-governance and actively participate in political life. In fact, the fundamental feature of the concept of "vivere civile" is the rule of law instead of the active participation of its citizens. Machiavelli's concept of "vivere civile", derived from "civilitas", the language of Roman law tradition and against the tyranny, is a form of political community governed by laws and institutions. It can be presented in either a kingdom form or a republican form in spite of the fact that Machiavelli himself has a greater attachment to the latter.

Key words: Machiavelli, vivere civile, rule of law, Skinner