Machiavelli and lao Tzo conflicting views of Dishonesty

Choose ONE topic discussed by any two of the authors on government (Machiavelli, Lao-tzu, or Jefferson). Compare and contrast the authors ideas on the topic. Then choose 1-2 specific real life political situations (historical or current events), and apply the authors ideas. Are/were the leaders following one authors advice, a combination of both, or neither?           

    Ideas: Religion, dishonesty, miserliness, cruelty, inaction, violence, etc.