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The Prince | Quiz

Niccolò Machiavelli
This Study Guide consists of approximately 109 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Prince.

The Prince | Quiz

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1)

What does Machiavelli say was the real cause of Cesare Borgia's ultimate failure? (from Chapter 7)

His bad choices of political allies.
His opposition from the new Pope after the death of Alexander IV.
His lack of knowledge of what to do after his father's death.
His ill health after the death of his father.
2)

What does Machiavelli say are the two main reasons for a prince to lose his dominion? (from Chapter 25)

Relying on himself and not listening to sound advice.
Relying entirely on fate or making the wrong provisions for expected misfortune.
Relying on the church and neglecting to read history.
Relying on past experience and not planning for the unexpected.
3)

How can a common citizen rise to political power? (from Chapter 9)

Through the help of friends.
By popular election.
With a lot of money behind him.
As a compromise between two parties.
4)

Does Machiavelli suggest that rising to power through cruelty is always wrong? (from Chapter 8)

He believes that cruelty must continue to be successful.
He says any use of cruelty cannot be justified.
He states that political assassination is not cruelty.
He suggests that there is a proper use of cruelty.
5)

How can a prince deal with the people when they see their lands burning outside the city walls? (from Chapter 10)

He can make them believe it is all just an illusion.
He can issue food stamps.
He can tell them about the cruelties of the enemy if they are captured.
He can tell them it is not as bad as it looks from inside the city walls.
6)

How does Machiavelli classify auxiliary troops? (from Chapter 13)

As the best possible choice for a prince to make.
As the worst possible choice for a prince to make.
As extremely reliable during a crisis.
As cheaper than hiring independent mercenaries.
7)

What metaphor does Machiavelli use to explain his ideas about Fortune? (from Chapter 25)

We cannot control the wind and are blown about by it.
Fortune as a mistress who always gets the upper hand on man.
The animals know when to seek higher ground even before a flood happens.
We cannot stop a river from overflowing, but we can make provisions against the disaster.
8)

Not surprisingly, who does Machiavelli nominate to be the one capable of uniting Italy? (from Chapter 26)

The Pope.
Himself.
The Medici family.
The Duke of Milan.
9)

Why did Machiavelli say that Italy has been overrun by Charles, plundered by Louis, ravished by Ferdinand, and dishonored by the Swiss? (from Chapter 12)

Because too many people are in charge of the military.
Because it has no central government.
Because the Italians have forgotten the military methods of the Roman Empire.
Because it has had only a mercenary military.
10)

Machiavelli says that tensions between the nobles and commoners may result in a principality, a republic, or what other condition? (from Chapter 9)

Heavy taxation.
Indifference.
Anarchy.
Democracy.
11)

What is a constant threat to any prince? (from Chapter 19)

Unpopularity.
Loss of income.
Invasion.
Assassination.
12)

When does Machiavelli say a prince should be thinking most about military strategy? (from Chapter 14)

During times of peace.
On hunting expeditions.
When he is being invaded.
When he visits another prince.
13)

The cities of what country are given as good examples of fortification? (from Chapter 10)

France.
Germany.
Sparta.
Spain.
14)

How will a prince often be judged by others? (from Chapter 22)

By the behavior of his ministers.
By the number of sons he has.
By the family he marries into.
By the size of his palace.
15)

What is the irony of the death of Oliverotto of Fermo who came to power by assembling all the leaders for a dinner and then killing them all? (from Chapter 8)

He died of natural causes before he could become Prince of Fermo.
A son of one of the murdered men put poison in his wine.
He was accidentally killed by a poorly aimed arrow.
Cesare Borgia did the same thing to him.
16)

How is a prince ultimately judged? (from Chapter 18)

By his results.
By the mob.
By his wealth and grandeur.
By his years as a prince.
17)

What does Machiavelli tell the prince is more important than morality in government? (from Chapter 22)

Expediency.
Generosity.
Religion.
Philosophy.
18)

Who can successfully gain the reputation for generosity but not ruin himself in the process? (from Chapter 16)

A prince who has unlimited resources.
A prince who only gives when he can expect a generous return.
A prince who gives away someone else's money.
A prince who goes to war to create jobs for his subjects.
19)

What does Machiavelli say the King of Naples and the Duke of Milan had in common? (from Chapter 24)

They both improved the laws in their dominions.
They both lost their dominions in Italy.
They both had great skill in dealing with the nobles.
They both learned quickly how to rule effectively.
20)

Why does Machiavelli think the time is right for Italy to become strong? (from Chapter 26)

The other kingdoms of the earth are showing signs of weakening.
Italy has been oppressed and fragmented like the Israelites before Moses could free them.
There are now a number of good leaders in Italy that the country has never had before.
The position of the church in Europe makes all of Italy stronger.
21)

Who does Machiavelli say should always be in charge of the troops in a princedom? (from Chapter 12)

A relative of the prince.
A well paid mercenary captain.
A trusted civilian commander.
The prince himself.
22)

What is it that a prince cannot control among his subjects? (from Chapter 17)

Their love.
Their taxation.
Their cooperation.
Their fear.
23)

What does Machiavelli say is the only art expected of a prince? (from Chapter 14)

The art of collecting.
The art of diplomacy.
The art of war.
The art of fine living.
24)

How does Machiavelli justify his position that a prince is not duty bound to keep his word? (from Chapter 18)

He says that a prince should always change his mind about everything until he gets all the facts.
He says that people always believe everything a prince says, so he can say what he pleases.
He says men are basically self-centered and will not keep their word, so the prince is not obligated to do so.
He says it is the only way to keep the people satisfied that he knows what he is doing.
25)

How does Machiavelli say Agathocles became Prince of Syracuse? (from Chapter 8)

Assembling the Senate to confer and then having them all killed.
Beheading anyone who opposed him.
Defeating the Carthiginians.
Getting the poor people to support him against the aristocracy.
Copyrights
The Prince from BookRags and Gale's For Students Series. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.
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