The Discourses Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, Preface, The Best Form of Government, Religion, The Transition From Servitude to Freedom

1. From what did Niccolo Machiavelli make the present that he sent to Zanobi Buondelmonti and Cosimo Rucellai?

2. What examples from history does Machiavelli claim offers guidance to leaders?

3. What are the three types of state that Machiavelli detailed and by what name are they known today?

4. What are the two reasons that Machiavelli gives for his opinion that the courts (Faculty of Accusing) are the most necessary and useful authority...
(read more)