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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. For what reason does Machiavelli advise people in power to, "...lay aside personal hatred?"

2. Why does Machiavelli consider the public a better judge than Princes for who should occupy public offices.

3. What did Livius' history of Rome identify as the three divisions of the Roman army?

4. According to Machiavelli, why did Livius believe the Roman Republic grew?

5. According to Machiavelli, if men have prospered greatly by one procedure, what is not possible?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli recommend that any organization maintain itself by frequently renewing its founding principals?

2. Why does Machiavelli claim that the Senate and Plebes rose up to take control of Rome from Tarquinius Superbus ?

3. Why does Machiavelli recommend to avoid appointing anyone who has been offended to an important position in government?

4. What were the two evils that Machiavelli claims came to Rome as its Empire grew in geographical size?

5. What does Machiavelli believe is the consequence of insulting anyone with words?

6. Why does Machiavelli warn Princes from using auxiliary soldiers from another Prince?

7. Why does Machiavelli consider defending an army with fortifications useless with the artillery that was new to his day?

8. Why doesn't Machiavelli expect promises made under force to be kept?

9. When Machiavelli uses the word "esteemed" in reference to artillery and infantry, what does he mean?

10. Why does Machiavelli consider impetuosity and audacity to often be successful for a Prince to take a province that belongs to another Prince?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Machiavelli began his observations of war in Book 2. Find Machiavelli's views of three different ways wars benefit a Republic. Respond to his positions with your own views. Support your views with the type of historical documentation Machiavelli used to support his positions. Do not limit yourself to the history of Rome.

Essay Topic 2

Machiavelli claims that the Roman Caesars did good and not harm to the Roman Republic. Why did Machiavelli make his claim? Do you agree with his assessment? Use information from research on the authority of the Roman Caesars and other statements from history to support your views.

Essay Topic 3

At the beginning of Book 2, Machiavelli begins investigating what he considers to be virtuous touches on "virtu" throughout the rest of "The Discourses". Find two characterizations of what Machiavelli considers "virtu" with which you agree and two with which you do not. Explain your positions in each case and give examples of how your choices have been proven through history.

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