Meaning: The quote by James Fenimore Cooper highlights the inherent financial and political challenges associated with a monarchy as a form of government. Cooper, a prominent American novelist, was known for his insightful commentary on society and politics, and this quote reflects his critical perspective on the costs and complexities of monarchical rule.

In the quote, Cooper emphasizes that a monarchy is the most expensive form of government. This assertion is grounded in historical and contemporary evidence, as monarchies often involve elaborate ceremonies, royal events, and a significant allocation of resources to maintain the regal state. The opulence and grandeur associated with monarchies require substantial financial investment, which can place a significant burden on the state and its citizens. From grand palaces to lavish ceremonies, the regal state necessitates a costly parade that adds to the financial strain of maintaining a monarchy.

Furthermore, Cooper suggests that a monarch, who relies on their own power to rule, must bolster that power through various means. This assertion alludes to the inherent challenges of maintaining authority in a monarchical system. Unlike democratic forms of government, where power is derived from the will of the people, a monarch must assert and reinforce their authority through a combination of coercion and incentivization. Cooper specifically mentions the need to strengthen power by bribing the active and enterprising individuals whom the monarch cannot intimidate. This implies that maintaining control and influence in a monarchical system often involves a delicate balance of coercion and incentivization, with the latter taking the form of bribery to secure the loyalty and support of influential individuals.

Historically, monarchies have indeed relied on patronage, bribery, and other forms of incentivization to secure the allegiance of key figures within the ruling class. The distribution of titles, lands, and other privileges served as tools for maintaining loyalty and support among the nobility and influential individuals. Additionally, the use of financial incentives and rewards to secure the allegiance of military leaders, government officials, and other key stakeholders was a common practice in many monarchies throughout history.

Cooper's critique of monarchies aligns with broader discussions about the costs and challenges associated with hereditary or absolute rule. The concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or family can create vulnerabilities within the political system, leading to a reliance on costly displays of authority and the need to cultivate and maintain support through various means, including bribery.

In conclusion, James Fenimore Cooper's quote sheds light on the financial and political complexities of monarchies, emphasizing their costly nature and the challenges associated with maintaining power and authority in such systems. By highlighting the need for costly parades and the reliance on bribery to strengthen power, Cooper offers a critical perspective on the inherent drawbacks of monarchical rule. His insights invite reflection on the trade-offs and challenges associated with different forms of government, prompting consideration of the broader implications of regal states and the mechanisms used to sustain them.