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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 phrase could summarize what Livius' details as qualifications for an effective Captain.

2. What does Machiavelli believe comes to a good army without a good Captain?

3. Why does Machiavelli believe the Roman Republic grew?

4. On what does Machiavelli believe a Republic must be organized?

5. What type of person does Machiavelli advise against promoting to important positions in a Republic?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli consider defending an army with fortifications useless with the artillery that was new to his day?

2. Why does Machiavelli recommend to avoid appointing anyone who has been offended to an important position in government?

3. Why did "Captains of Fortune" favor cavalry over infantry?

4. Why does Machiavelli devote his longest section of "The Discourses" to discussing conspiracy?

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

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

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

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

9. What are some of methods that Machiavelli identifies that Citizens use to earn private honors?

10. Why does Machiavelli believe, "that men born in a province observe for all time almost the same natures (Book 3, Section 43)?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Discourses" were originally written as a letter to two Italian politicians at the time. Explain how that intended audience of this letter shaped the focus and tone of the text. What does Machiavelli's recommendations throughout the book say of the character of the intended audience? Give examples from the book to support your assumptions.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Machiavelli details the difference between Excellent and Weak princes in Book One, Section 19. What is your position on Machiavelli's differentiation? Provide the language from the section that helps define you view and use support from history or current events that supports your position.

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