The rivalry between Milan and Venice significantly influenced their respective forms of government during the Renaissance. Milan, under the Sforzas, adopted a militaristic approach to governance, focusing on territorial expansion and military strength to counter Venetian influence. This rivalry necessitated a strong, centralised form of government, leading to the consolidation of power in the hands of the duke. In contrast, Venice’s approach was more maritime and commercial, focusing on naval power and trade. The threat from Milan prompted Venice to develop a sophisticated diplomatic network and a complex internal system of checks and balances to ensure political stability and effective decision-making. This rivalry also led to frequent alliances and conflicts, shaping their foreign policies and internal political strategies, reinforcing Milan's autocratic monarchy and Venice’s oligarchic republicanism.

Yes, the governance structure in Venice did incorporate elements of public participation and a form of limited democracy, albeit restricted to the aristocratic class. The most prominent democratic element was the election of the Doge, who was chosen by an extensive and complex electoral process involving multiple stages of voting by members of the Great Council. The Great Council itself, composed of the patrician class, was a broad representation of the Venetian aristocracy and served as the primary legislative body. However, it's important to note that this participation was confined to the upper echelons of society, and the vast majority of Venetians, including commoners and the merchant class, were excluded from direct political engagement. This oligarchic system, while more inclusive than a hereditary monarchy, was far from a modern democracy, reflecting the stratified social hierarchy of the time.

The Renaissance in Milan, compared to Florence and Venice, had distinct characteristics in terms of cultural contributions, reflecting its unique political and social environment. Under the Sforzas, Milan became a centre for military and architectural advancements rather than the more artistic and literary Renaissance seen in Florence and Venice. The construction of the Milan Cathedral and the Sforza Castle are testaments to Milan's architectural focus. In contrast, Florence, under the patronage of the Medici family, became the cradle of Renaissance art and humanism, with figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli contributing to its artistic legacy. Venice, with its prosperous maritime trade, fostered a unique blend of Byzantine and Western artistic traditions, exemplified by the works of artists like Titian and Bellini. This difference in cultural focus was a reflection of the diverse political and economic priorities of these city-states during the Renaissance.

The Black Death, which ravaged Europe in the mid-14th century, had profound implications for the governance of Italian city-states like Florence and Venice. In Florence, the pandemic led to significant social and economic upheaval. The population decline shifted the economic balance, leading to labour shortages and social unrest. This disruption facilitated the rise of powerful families like the Medici, as they capitalized on the economic turmoil to amass wealth and influence. In Venice, the plague's impact was similarly transformative. The city-state's response, including stringent public health measures and the establishment of the world’s first quarantine stations, reflected an advanced understanding of statecraft and public welfare. Moreover, the population decline intensified Venice's oligarchic nature, as the aristocracy tightened its grip on power amidst the chaos, further entrenching its political structure.

The Condottieri, mercenary leaders, had a significant impact on Milan's governance, particularly in the ascent of the Sforza dynasty. The most notable among them was Francesco Sforza, who initially served as a mercenary commander for the Visconti rulers of Milan. Upon the demise of the last Visconti in 1447, Milan attempted to establish a republic. However, the power vacuum and the instability it created allowed Sforza to leverage his military might to seize control in 1450. As a Condottiere-turned-ruler, Sforza transitioned Milan from a republic to a ducal monarchy. His rule exemplified the militaristic approach to governance, where military strength and strategic marriages (like his marriage to Bianca Maria Visconti) were pivotal in consolidating and legitimizing his power. This transition marked a significant shift in Milanese governance, from fragmented republican rule to a centralized, autocratic duchy under the Sforzas.