View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Machiavelli say a prince should keep the attention of the people?
(a) By using his nobles to speak to the people.
(b) By keeping a low profile.
(c) By explaining everything to the people.
(d) By taking bold actions.

2. What is the best type of mind Machiavelli says is needed for a strong prince?
(a) One that can think for himself.
(b) One that takes only a short time to make a decision
(c) One that has no opinions whatsoever.
(d) One that can understand what other men think.

3. Who is Machiavelli's ultimate example of the correct use of cruelty?
(a) Alexander the Great.
(b) Moses.
(c) Hannibal.
(d) King Louis.

4. How does Machiavelli define avarice?
(a) Being of the disposition to take what is not one's own.
(b) Being nothing but a warrior.
(c) Being miserly and not generous enough.
(d) Being so generous that he has nothing left.

5. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince recalled by the people after being conquered offers him no security?
(a) It is noble and, therefore, weak.
(b) It does not depend upon the prince himself for success.
(c) It is only a last ditch effort at establishing the dominion.
(d) It is probably only a stop-gap moment.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Machiavelli tell the prince is more important than morality in government?

3. What in Machiavelli's opinion is the problem with a prince being too liberal with his subjects?

4. What is the one thing a man cannot fight against according to Machiavelli?

5. Those who were viewed with suspicion at the beginning of a princedom usually become the most loyal subjects. Why?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How does Machiavelli say a prince should be like a fox and a lion?

9. How does Machiavelli suggest a prince can be cruel and still be respected?

10. What is Machiavelli's position on neutrality? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,220 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample