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

2. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best solution for governing a new territory?

3. What does Machiavelli suggest may make a hereditary ruler unpopular with his people?

4. To whom does Machiavelli compare himself in writing this book?

5. What example does Machiavelli give of a prince who had the support of his people and was able to withstand invasion?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Machiavelli explain a man of his common social standing being qualified to advise a prince?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using the example of Cesare Borgia, write an essay entitled ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY.

Essay Topic 2

Machiavelli favored the death penalty. Write an essay expressing your opinion on that subject.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on why you would or would not have liked living during the Italian Renaissance.

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This section contains 860 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample