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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli suggest is the surest way to govern a conquered territory?
(a) Keep the old system in place.
(b) Start paying higher salaries to bureaucrats.
(c) Destroy its civil and political systems first.
(d) Declare many holidays.

2. Why does Machiavelli not use Agathocles as an example of meritorious rise to power?
(a) Beause he did not plan what to do after he became prince.
(b) Because he came from humble beginnings.
(c) Because his cruelty continued after he came to power.
(d) Because he was not successful in gaining control of Sicily.

3. How does Machiavelli think New Dominions were formed?
(a) Through democratic elections.
(b) Through Fortune or Ability.
(c) Through War and Pestilence.
(d) Through Ability or Accident.

4. What ancient example does Machiavelli use to illustrate the rise to power through criminal actions?
(a) Agathocles of Sicily.
(b) Pope Alexander IV.
(c) Alexander the Great.
(d) Moses.

5. The cities of what country are given as good examples of fortification?
(a) Spain.
(b) Germany.
(c) France.
(d) Sparta.

6. In the event that the prince cannot afford a large army, what should he do?
(a) Have a good plan to escape if attacked.
(b) Make sure his city is well fortified.
(c) Post lookouts in the countryside.
(d) Negotiate diplomatically with any potential enemies.

7. What is Machiavelli removing from the political thinking during a time when the Roman Catholic Church was still appointing Emperors?
(a) He is removing God from politics and the power equation.
(b) He is removing constitutional authority.
(c) He is removing political involvement of the church.
(d) He is removing objections to the combination of church and state.

8. How can a common citizen rise to political power?
(a) As a compromise between two parties.
(b) Through the help of friends.
(c) With a lot of money behind him.
(d) By popular election.

9. What does Machiavelli say was the reason for successes by Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus?
(a) They did not understand the thinking of the people.
(b) They were standing in the right place at the right time.
(c) Like Moses, they could talk with God.
(d) It had nothing to do with fortune, but was because of their own talents.

10. What example does Machiavelli give of a conquered territory rebelling against 100 years of servitude?
(a) Persia throwing off the rule of Alexander the Great.
(b) Carthage getting its independence from Rome.
(c) Pisa arising against the Florentines.
(d) Egypt going to war with Sparta.

11. Does Machiavelli suggest that rising to power through cruelty is always wrong?
(a) He says any use of cruelty cannot be justified.
(b) He states that political assassination is not cruelty.
(c) He suggests that there is a proper use of cruelty.
(d) He believes that cruelty must continue to be successful.

12. Cesare Borgia was helped in his drive for power by his father. Who was he?
(a) Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan.
(b) King Luis XII of France.
(c) The military head of the Orsini.
(d) Pope Alexander IV.

13. If a city is well fortified against attack, what will cause the enemy to retreat?
(a) They will retreat because they do not have enough supplies to feed themselves.
(b) They will retreat because they are cold outside the walls of the city.
(c) They will retreat because the fortified city makes them believe there are other armies in the field.
(d) They will retreat because they cannot afford a long seige.

14. What powerful force does Machiavelli say can efface innovations in government?
(a) Memories.
(b) Disdain for the past.
(c) Expectations.
(d) More and more innovation.

15. What is the custom of Machiavelli's day in approaching a prince?
(a) Catching the prince outside his palace.
(b) Coming in on hands and knees.
(c) Writing a petition of audience.
(d) Bringing a gift.

Short Answer Questions

1. What example does Machiavelli give of a dominion that is a limb of a larger one?

2. Aside from granting favors to his subjects during a siege, what does Machiavelli suggest a wise prince might do?

3. Aside from humble beginnings, what does Machiavelli say that Agathocles and Oliverotto have in common?

4. The next best way to rule a new territory, according to Machiavelli, is to establish a colony. Why?

5. What factor does Machiavelli suggest makes it easier to rule a new territory?

(see the answer keys)

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