Machiavelli observed that while it may be difficult to seize power from an absolute ruler and a populace who have no freedoms, it is relatively easy to maintain authority when you have done so.
Conversely, while it may be easy to seize power in a principality where the subjects enjoy a great degree of personal freedom, it is extremely difficult to maintain authority, as the subjects will rebel against attempts to remove freedoms they already enjoy.
And if you can't apply Machiavelli to the cliques, favoritism, back stabbing, mud slinging and intrigues of Forum Dramas, I don't know where you can.