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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 example does Machiavelli give of a prince who had the support of his people and was able to withstand invasion?
(a) Gracci of Rome.
(b) Giorgio Scalli of Florence.
(c) Cesar Borgia of Romagna.
(d) Nabis, Prince of Sparta.

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

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

4. How does Machiavelli say that the successors of Alexander the Great were able to retain power after his untimely death?
(a) The people did not care who ruled them.
(b) They did not let the people know that Alexander had died.
(c) The people were so happy to be rid of Darius that they accepted anyone else.
(d) Under his system, governance was easily transferred to his appointed ministers.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Machiavelli's example of rule by a sole prince?

2. Why does Machiavelli not use Agathocles as an example of meritorious rise to power?

3. What is it that Machiavelli prizes most of his possessions?

4. What happened when Rome tried to use the same methods the Spartans had used with Greece?

5. What can deprive a prince of his princedom?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Machiavelli distinguish between proper and improper use of cruelty?

2. What is the difference between a principality established by the nobles and one set up by the commoners?

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

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

5. What are the difficulties new princes face when setting up a new government?

6. How are Ecclesiastical dominions so easily maintained?

7. Explain how Machiavelli says Cesare Borgia came to power.

8. Briefly write down how Machiavelli describes Agathocles of Sicily.

9. What does Machiavelli mean when he says that dominions are obtained by either good Fortune or merit?

10. What are the two types of princedoms as identified by Machiavelli?

(see the answer keys)

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