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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 weakness of a mercenary military?
(a) It is too expensive to keep up during peace times.
(b) It works only for pay and may defect to the opposition or simply run away.
(c) It is difficult to replace members who decide to return to their homes.
(d) It is only useful during times of war.

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

3. What problem faces a prince appointed by the nobles?
(a) The people know they have rights under a price appointed by the nobles.
(b) The nobles see themselves as his equal and are not inclined to obey him.
(c) The people will only support a prince appointed by the nobles.
(d) The nobles never have the good will of the people which makes for tensions.

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

5. 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 objections to the combination of church and state.
(d) He is removing political involvement of the church.

6. What type of principality does Machiavelli claim may be kept without talent or fortune?
(a) Hereditary.
(b) Monastic.
(c) Absolute monarchy.
(d) Ecclesiastical.

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

8. Why is Niccolo Machiavelli suddenly out of a job?
(a) He has taken too much time off.
(b) He has had a long illness.
(c) He insulted Prince Lorenzo de Medici.
(d) He has been working for the government overthrown by the Medici.

9. What does Machiavelli say a new prince must do quickly after gaining a new dominion?
(a) Build a new palace.
(b) Hand out money.
(c) Read his book.
(d) Learn quickly.

10. What is it that Machiavelli refrains from doing in his book?
(a) Using language of respect that is usually spoken before a prince.
(b) Using high sounding literary devices to make the work seem more important.
(c) Making everything brief in his writing so that main points are missed.
(d) Giving only the facts of great leaders and how they governed.

11. 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) A Prince who knows how to hide his bad habits.
(c) A brilliant and vocal Prince.
(d) Each day being the same as the day before.

12. After Alexander VI, how did the Pope continue to strengthen the Church's position?
(a) By gaining more popularity among the Italians.
(b) By selling ecclesiastical offices and annexing land.
(c) By putting monasteries in new dominions.
(d) By military invasions of other dominions.

13. What does Machiavelli say will be an advantage to a prince who lost his dominion by force of arms?
(a) The tendency of new governments to rely heavily on hereditary princes.
(b) A mishap on the part of the new government.
(c) The sympathy of the surrounding dominions.
(d) The money he was able to stash away before being invaded.

14. After gaining dominions by merit, how does Machiavelli say a prince can hold his new territories?
(a) It is impossible.
(b) Easily.
(c) With great difficulty.
(d) Rarely.

15. What form of government comes from a long line of ancestors?
(a) Princedoms formed by warring factions.
(b) New princedoms.
(c) A hereditary princedom.
(d) An elected dynasty.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is setting up a system of government using conquered citizens effective?

2. What is Machiavelli offering the Prince Lorenzo de Medici?

3. In acquiring a new dominion, if the prince does not use the force of his own arms, what alternative does Machiavelli suggest?

4. What can deprive a prince of his princedom?

5. How does Machiavelli think New Dominions were formed?

(see the answer keys)

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