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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 dichotomy does Machiavelli present regarding goodness and vices in a prince?

2. What metaphor does Machiavelli use to explain his ideas about Fortune?

3. Which statement is true according to Machiavelli?

4. What can a new prince be assured of?

5. In terms of receiving advice, what is the main thing a prince must remember and do to preserve power.

Short Essay Questions

1. Because new princes are closely watched, what does Machiavelli say they must do?

2. How can a prince gain a reputation for great accomplishments and generosity without bringing about his own ruin?

3. What kind of reading does Machiavelli advise for the prince? Why?

4. Why does Machiavelli say that war is the only art expected of a prince?

5. Why does Machiavelli maintain that it is not possible for a prince to embody only good qualities?

6. Explain Machiavelli's views on rewards and punishments.

7. Explain how Machiavelli sees Utopian ideas of principalities and republics.

8. What does Machiavelli say is the first estimate of a prince as a ruler? Why?

9. Give examples of leaders who recognized the need for their own loyal troops.

10. How does Machiavelli evaluate the three types of mind he says princes may have?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Critique Machiavelli's idea that a state or prince must have a strong, loyal military.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the subject of politicians trying to please everyone to stay in power.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about why you think many people have not liked Machiavelli's book, THE PRINCE.

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This section contains 1,088 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample