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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 are two reasons Machiavelli gives for foreign forces building a city?
(a) To spread the culture of the homeland and use resources for financial development.
(b) To exercise power over enemies and expand the power of an established system.
(c) To relieve existing towns of excessive inhabitants and for the defense of the country from which the forces come.
(d) To offer people in other lands the benefits of the existing system and to make their abilities and resources for universally beneficial.

2. Reviewing earlier chapters of "The Discourses", why would Machiavelli consider long wars in foreign lands important?
(a) Because long wars assures that poverty will be maintained for everyone in the Republic.
(b) Because Machiavelli suggested long wars helped to keep Republics united.
(c) Because Machiavelli considers fighting wars and building empires to be signs of virtuous leaders.
(d) Because long wars give Nobles an opportunity for Nobles to encourage Plebes to perform glorious works for the Republic.

3. When Machiavelli writes, "For sometimes of necessity our judgment is the truth, as human affairs are always in motion, either ascending or descending," what is he writing about what he believes about truth?
(a) You can't make sound judgments without having a firm grasp on the truth.
(b) Truth is not as important as the people you make relationships with.
(c) Truth is irrelevant to the reason for making judgments.
(d) Machiavelli considers truth to be relative.

4. Through what means does Machiavelli suggest that a City can achieve what he considers greatness?
(a) Through fear and violence.
(b) Through love or force.
(c) Through conquest and deceit.
(d) Through laws and wealth.

5. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?
(a) Keeping friends close and enemies closer.
(b) In times of peace not neglecting the arrangements of war.
(c) Knowing that the enemy of his enemy is his friend.
(d) Picking battles that are important enough to fight and small enough to win.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are reasons Machiavelli cited for a group of people leaving their native country to seek a new home?

2. What does Machiavelli believe will come of agreements made by force?

3. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?

4. What does Machiavelli claim causes ingratitude from a conquered citizenry?

5. What does Machiavelli establish as the relationship between gold and good soldiers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of Prince does Machiavelli consider to be weak?

2. What does Machiavelli recommend to be done if one wants to establish a Republic where it does not exist?

3. What acts by governing officials does Machiavelli consider "pernicious" or damaging to the authority of the government?

4. What does Machiavelli claim to be the practice of writers of history who, "...so obey the fortune of the winners...?"

5. Why does Machiavelli challenge Cities to punish citizens with respected reputations when they commit wrong acts?

6. What does Machiavelli claim proves the Romans' love for liberty?

7. What two methods did Machiavelli identify that Roman Nobility drew honor from the Plebes?

8. What examples from history does Machiavelli claim offers guidance to leaders?

9. From what did Niccolo Machiavelli make the present that he sent to Zanobi Buondelmonti and Cosimo Rucellai?

10. What does Machiavelli mean when he uses the term "virtu" for a Prince?

(see the answer keys)

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