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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which prince does Machiavelli say must be generous?
(a) One who inherited his title.
(b) One who has excessive vices.
(c) One just coming into power.
(d) One who is about to go to war.

2. What does Machiavelli say are the two main reasons for a prince to lose his dominion?
(a) Relying on the church and neglecting to read history.
(b) Relying on past experience and not planning for the unexpected.
(c) Relying entirely on fate or making the wrong provisions for expected misfortune.
(d) Relying on himself and not listening to sound advice.

3. How does Machiavelli justify his position that a prince is not duty bound to keep his word?
(a) He says it is the only way to keep the people satisfied that he knows what he is doing.
(b) He says men are basically self-centered and will not keep their word, so the prince is not obligated to do so.
(c) He says that people always believe everything a prince says, so he can say what he pleases.
(d) He says that a prince should always change his mind about everything until he gets all the facts.

4. Which examples does Machiavelli use to support the idea of not being overly generous?
(a) Moses and the Duke of Milan.
(b) King Saul and Ramses the Great.
(c) The King of Spain and the King of France.
(d) King Midas and King Darius.

5. What does Machiavelli say the King of Naples and the Duke of Milan had in common?
(a) They both had great skill in dealing with the nobles.
(b) They both lost their dominions in Italy.
(c) They both learned quickly how to rule effectively.
(d) They both improved the laws in their dominions.

6. Machiavelli's political thought is influenced greatly by the ideas of what?
(a) The strength of the Medici.
(b) The writings of Aristotle.
(c) The Italian Rennaissance.
(d) The Bible.

7. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best fortress for a prince?
(a) A palace surrounded by a wide moat.
(b) Favorable public opinion.
(c) Military barracks surrounding his palace.
(d) A palace in the center of the city.

8. What causes the people to begin to support the new prince?
(a) Seeing they are well off.
(b) Seeing many changes in their daily lives.
(c) Having audiences with the prince.
(d) Getting surprise gifts from the prince.

9. What does Machiavelli say is the first requirement of a commander?
(a) Frequently reviewing his troops.
(b) Knowing how to locate the enemy, deploy his soldiers, and lay siege to a city.
(c) Making sure he has the money to pay his mercenaries.
(d) Making constant changes in his miliary command.

10. What does Machiavelli tell the prince is more important than morality in government?
(a) Religion.
(b) Expediency.
(c) Philosophy.
(d) Generosity.

11. How can honesty in other people cause the prince to lose respect?
(a) When people are not afraid of offending the prince by what they say.
(b) When the honesty is really only half truths.
(c) When their honesty is not recognized for what it is.
(d) When the prince never believes anything he hears.

12. What example does Machiavelli give of a ruler in whom his people have no confidence?
(a) Emperor Maximillian.
(b) King Ferdinand of Spain.
(c) Pope Alexander VI.
(d) King Louis of France.

13. Why is a reputation for cruelty necessary for a prince?
(a) To keep people from asking too much.
(b) To maintain control of his army.
(c) To show his tough love.
(d) To defend himself from mercenaries.

14. How does Machiavelli say a prince should keep the attention of the people?
(a) By using his nobles to speak to the people.
(b) By taking bold actions.
(c) By keeping a low profile.
(d) By explaining everything to the people.

15. What is a constant threat to any prince?
(a) Unpopularity.
(b) Invasion.
(c) Assassination.
(d) Loss of income.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli mean when he says "impetuousness is better than calculation"?

2. How much of man's fate does Machiavelli ascribe to God and Fortune?

3. What is more effective than honesty in a prince?

4. Who can successfully gain the reputation for generosity but not ruin himself in the process?

5. What is Machiavelli's advice about people who do things that ultimately enrich the princedom?

(see the answer keys)

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