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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. One Princedom, according to Machiavelli, is ruled by a sole prince; the other is by a prince and his barons. What does Machiavelli see as a weakness of the latter?
(a) If the prince dies the barons all lose their hereditary titles.
(b) The prince does always knows what the barons are doing in their territories.
(c) The barons hold their titles by heredity and not by the favor of the prince, so there is less loyalty.
(d) The prince becomes lazy and leaves everything up to the barons.

2. How did the Romans maintain control in Capua, Carthage, and Numantia?
(a) They allowed them to select government officials from their own citizens.
(b) They made them all Roman citizens with new priviliges.
(c) They destroyed them and set up their own system of government.
(d) They moved the Roman capital to Carthage.

3. How does Machiavelli say that those who help a prince obtain a new princedom may turn against him?
(a) By deciding that they do not need the prince.
(b) By going elsewhere to fight new battles.
(c) By becoming jealous of his new power.
(d) By not receiving what was promised to them.

4. What does Machiavelli say was the reason for successes by Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus?
(a) It had nothing to do with fortune, but was because of their own talents.
(b) They did not understand the thinking of the people.
(c) Like Moses, they could talk with God.
(d) They were standing in the right place at the right time.

5. If a city is well fortified against attack, what will cause the enemy to retreat?
(a) They will retreat because they are cold outside the walls of the city.
(b) They will retreat because the fortified city makes them believe there are other armies in the field.
(c) They will retreat because they do not have enough supplies to feed themselves.
(d) They will retreat because they cannot afford a long seige.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli see as an inevitable result of changes in government?

2. After gaining dominions by merit, how does Machiavelli say a prince can hold his new territories?

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

4. What example does Machiavelli give of a conquered territory rebelling against 100 years of servitude?

5. How can a prince deal with the people when they see their lands burning outside the city walls?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Cesare Borgia hold onto power in Romagna?

2. Describe the factors that may make it easier for a new prince to rule.

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

4. Explain how Machiavelli sees the importance of sound laws and a sound military.

5. To what does Machiavelli ascribe his present circumstances as he writes the book?

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

7. Define the problems of a State that is ruled by a king and the nobility.

8. Tell how Machiavelli suggests it is easiest to control a conquered state.

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

10. What makes the instability of the Orsini and Cologna a constant struggle.

(see the answer keys)

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