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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 Machiavelli predict will come of corrupted Republics if they do not take the important step of extending its life?

2. What does Machiavelli claim causes men to conspire against their target?

3. What are the two things that Machiavelli cites as the causes of the dissolution of the Roman Republic?

4. Who was esteemed as being wise for acting foolish from Livius' history of Rome?

5. How did Phillip of Macedonia avoid battles with Fabius Maximus?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Machiavelli mean when he discusses using "...deceit in the managing of a war..." and why does he consider it a glorious thing?

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

3. Why does Machiavelli consider negotiating peace treaties with insurrectionists to be the most harmful method of ending conflicts in a City?

4. Why does Machiavelli consider saving an army from attack to be an effective method for defending a country?

5. Why does Machiavelli consider towns more difficult to conquer after the Citizens have been in rebellion?

6. Why does Machiavelli in Section 28 recommend that Citizens be allowed to obtain honors through public means, but prevented from seeking honors through private means?

7. What does Machiavelli advise those who seek to change a Republic?

8. What is the advice that Machiavelli gives to Princes who take possessions from another Prince?

9. What does Machiavelli write of in Book Three, Section 14 when he reviews, "...new inventions and new voices...," and why does he recommend these to be used in the heat of battle?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book 3, Sections 43 and 46, Machiavelli details how customs are handed down in Cities and through families. Give examples from your personal experiences that support statements from the two chapters. If Machiavelli was alive today, how would he evaluate the qualities of customs that are handed down in modern American Cities and families? Use statements from the book to support your assertions.

Essay Topic 2

Machiavelli is critical of ambition in Book 1, Section 46. Do you agree with Machiavelli's criticisms? Why or why not? What is your view of ambition and how does individual freedom affect ambition?

Essay Topic 3

Would Machiavelli want to affect how customs are down in Cities and families today? For what reasons would he want do to do so? What modern tools or institutions would he use? Be detailed in your responses and use statements from "The Discourses" to support your position on Machiavelli's motivations.

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