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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. Ending his discussion of Ecclesiastical Dominions, why is Machiavelli so circumspect about the current Pope?

2. What does Machiavelli say about skilled mercenary captains?

3. What was Machiavelli's method for learning political government?

4. Before Pope Alexander VI, what prevented the Church from gaining even more power?

5. In the event that the prince cannot afford a large army, what should he do?

Short Essay Questions

1. To what does Machiavelli ascribe his present circumstances as he writes the book?

2. What are the difficulties new princes face when setting up a new government?

3. How did Cesare Borgia hold onto power in Romagna?

4. Describe the conditions that made it possible for Moses, Romulus, Cyrus, and Theseus to be successful in uniting their people.

5. Define the problems of a State that is ruled by a king and the nobility.

6. Explain why Machiavelli does not speak about Republics in THE PRINCE.

7. If a hereditary prince loses his dominion in war, will he be able to regain his former position? Explain.

8. Why should a new prince not set up a system of magistrates from among the people?

9. What does Machiavelli mean when he says that dominions are obtained by either good Fortune or merit?

10. At the time Machiavelli is writing, he recognizes only two types of existing government. Explain each.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing the Italian Renaissance.

Essay Topic 2

Write a blog entry dealing with the question, Does the end justify the means?

Essay Topic 3

Write your opinion on the debate over whether or not religion has a place in state government. In preparation, review Chapter 11 on Ecclesiastical Princedoms.

(see the answer keys)

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