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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the Renaissance Italian's view of political misfortune?
(a) Lack of ability to govern.
(b) Something that just happens.
(c) Perceived weakness on the part of opponents.
(d) Punishment of God for misdeeds.

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

3. What was Machiavelli's method for learning political government?
(a) He formed a college to study the various ideas.
(b) He tried all methods of government himself.
(c) He studied the outstanding rulers of the past.
(d) He relied on his own intuitions.

4. How do the Medici come to power?
(a) Through democratic elections.
(b) Through clever political manipulation.
(c) Through inheritance.
(d) Through war.

5. What happened when Rome tried to use the same methods the Spartans had used with Greece?
(a) They found it easy to get Greeks to adopt Roman ways.
(b) They succeeded by expanding on the Spartan idea.
(c) They failed and had to go back and destroy many cities.
(d) They succeeded by adding Roman universities to the Greek educational system.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli say his desire is for Prince Lorenzo?

2. Machiavelli gives the example of how Cesare Borgia used Minister Remiro d'Orco in his plan to rule Romagna. After d'Orco brought the territory under control, what does Machiavelli say Cesare Borgia did to get the loyalty of the people?

3. Prior to Charles VIII of France coming to Italy, what was the main focus of the Pope, the Venetians, the King of Naples, the Duke of Milan, and the Florentines?

4. What does say the sole prince can do that the prince with barons cannot?

5. What themes does Machiavelli introduce in Chapter One?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the time Machiavelli is writing, he recognizes only two types of existing government. Explain each.

2. Explain why Machiavelli believes a newly conquered territory is harder to govern than a hereditary dominion.

3. What advantage does the hereditary prince have in maintaining his dominion?

4. If a hereditary prince loses his dominion in war, will he be able to regain his former position? Explain.

5. Describe the reasons Machiavelli says the German cities are so secure.

6. What value does Machiavelli put on his gift to Prince Lorenzo de Medici?

7. How does Machiavelli say that hereditary States are the easier ones to control?

8. Describe the conditions that made it possible for Moses, Romulus, Cyrus, and Theseus to be successful in uniting their people.

9. Explain why Machiavelli does not speak about Republics in THE PRINCE.

10. Explain the customary way to seek the favor and audience of a prince.

(see the answer keys)

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