View a FREE sample

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 say the King of Naples and the Duke of Milan had in common?

2. What does Machiavelli say are the two main reasons for a prince to lose his dominion?

3. Although Machiavelli says that Pope Julius II was impetuous in all he did, still he succeeded. Why?

4. What does Machiavelli mean when he says "impetuousness is better than calculation"?

5. Why should a prince keep down factions in his princedom?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Machiavelli disagree with those who believe everything is controlled by God and Fortune.

2. Explain how Machiavelli sees the weakness of using auxiliary forces as a military for a princedom.

3. Describe Machiavelli's position on fortresses.

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

5. Detail how Machiavelli says Italian princes lose their dominions.

6. Explain Machiavelli's famous statement that is is better to be feared than loved.

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

8. Because new princes are closely watched, what does Machiavelli say they must do?

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

10. What warnings does Machiavelli give regarding the generosity of a prince.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on how education or the lack of it played a part in the politics of Machiavelli's time.

Essay Topic 3

Using the example of Cesare Borgia, write an essay entitled ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,089 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample