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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The cities of what country are given as good examples of fortification?

2. Machiavelli says that tensions between the nobles and commoners may result in a principality, a republic, or what other condition?

3. Cesare Borgia was helped in his drive for power by his father. Who was he?

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

5. What does Machiavelli say will be an advantage to a prince who lost his dominion by force of arms?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss the Duke of Ferrara as a prince who regained his prominence after a period of time.

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

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

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

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

7. Why is it easier to rule a princedom than it is to govern a state or republic?

8. How are Ecclesiastical dominions so easily maintained?

9. Describe the weakness Machiavelli sees with using mercenaries as the primary military strength of the prince.

10. Explain how, according to Machiavelli, Alexander the Great was able to establish a government in Persia that lasted long after his untimely death.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In one typed, double-spaced page, identify those Machiavellian ideas that might work in a democracy.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay describing the Italian Renaissance.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the Medici family returning to power and what it meant to Machiavelli.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 918 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample