“In fact, that would be totally against their interest. Much better to declare being faithful to the constitution. The actions need not correspond with the words, because most of the people are unaware of the actions.”
Sure, in your sort of game-theory style of doing things. But life is much more than a math game. And the power struggle is not limited to that among men.
They can base their entire regime on a lie if they choose. But their mistake, and Machievelli’s mistake, is to pretend there is no ultimate moral order which forbids this kind of false representation.
FWIW, that's not my personal style, it's just an informed opinion about "how to subvert the constitution without alerting the citizens." Rule 1: Don't alert the citizens.
-- They can base their entire regime on a lie if they choose. But their mistake, and Machievelli's mistake, is to pretend there is no ultimate moral order which forbids this kind of false representation. --
Maybe the scales will come the people's eyes. I certainly hope so. Yours seem to be well open, and you seem to be properly in tune with the order of mankind as intended by the Creator. I've read the book, there is war, bad stuff happens, and eventually destruction by fire. We each account for ourselves, as individuals.
And that's a darn good way to approach life on earth - in service to God, giving Caesar his due.