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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Citing Moses, Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus, what distinction does Machiavelli make about Moses?
(a) There is no histroy of Moses outside of the Jewish holy writings.
(b) There was something in Moses, some ability that made him worthy to speak with God.
(c) Instead of ruling the Egyptians after defeating them, he left.
(d) Moses never actually established himself as a leader.

2. What does Machiavelli suggest makes for peace in a dominion?
(a) A Prince who knows how to keep the people in line by force.
(b) Each day being the same as the day before.
(c) A brilliant and vocal Prince.
(d) A Prince who knows how to hide his bad habits.

3. Why does Machiavelli say a hereditary prince is usually more loved by his subjects?
(a) His face is on their coins.
(b) He has less of a chance of giving offense.
(c) He allows the people to do exactly as they please.
(d) He goes to school with the children of the princedom.

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

5. How does Machiavelli describe the temper (mindset) of the public?
(a) Ignorant.
(b) Fickle.
(c) Careless.
(d) Easily maintained.

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

7. What one thing does Machiavelli insist that every prince needs?
(a) To read his book.
(b) A strong military.
(c) The good will of the people.
(d) Deep pockets.

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

9. What characteristic of a leader can change fortune according to Machiavelli?
(a) A person's innate ability.
(b) The intervention of God.
(c) Being at the right place and in the right time.
(d) The will of the people.

10. What does Machiavelli insist about a Prince who lost his dominion by force?
(a) He would lose all popularity with the people.
(b) It would be easy to get it back.
(c) He would have to run for his life and never return.
(d) The people would forget all about him.

11. What does Machiavelli see as the problem with barons?
(a) The people tend to give more aligeance to the barrons than to the prince.
(b) Barons can do only what the prince orders.
(c) Barons are known for being cruel and causing trouble.
(d) The people do not understand the difference between a prince and a baron.

12. Who does Machiavelli say should always be in charge of the troops in a princedom?
(a) The prince himself.
(b) A trusted civilian commander.
(c) A relative of the prince.
(d) A well paid mercenary captain.

13. What is Machiavelli offering the Prince Lorenzo de Medici?
(a) A large book of rules for new princes to use in governing the people.
(b) Means of mastering in a short time all Machiavelli has learned about governing.
(c) The chance to become king of all Italy.
(d) Personal introductions to great men Machiavelli knows.

14. How can a prince deal with the people when they see their lands burning outside the city walls?
(a) He can tell them about the cruelties of the enemy if they are captured.
(b) He can tell them it is not as bad as it looks from inside the city walls.
(c) He can make them believe it is all just an illusion.
(d) He can issue food stamps.

15. What themes does Machiavelli introduce in Chapter One?
(a) Good fortune and merit.
(b) The importance of a republic.
(c) Arms and strategy.
(d) Colonization and residency.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the irony of the death of Oliverotto of Fermo who came to power by assembling all the leaders for a dinner and then killing them all?

2. What does Machiavelli say are the two foundations necessary for a princedom?

3. How does Machiavelli say that the successors of Alexander the Great were able to retain power after his untimely death?

4. Why does Machiavelli not discuss democracies?

5. After Alexander VI, how did the Pope continue to strengthen the Church's position?

(see the answer keys)

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