View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the advantage of the sole prince as ruler?
(a) No one is confused about who the ruler is.
(b) In case of revolt, there is only one person to assassinate.
(c) The people vest in him more complete authority.
(d) There is only one person of higher rank than the prince.

2. What is it that Machiavelli refrains from doing in his book?
(a) Using high sounding literary devices to make the work seem more important.
(b) Using language of respect that is usually spoken before a prince.
(c) Giving only the facts of great leaders and how they governed.
(d) Making everything brief in his writing so that main points are missed.

3. What example does Machiavelli give of a prince who had the support of his people and was able to withstand invasion?
(a) Nabis, Prince of Sparta.
(b) Gracci of Rome.
(c) Giorgio Scalli of Florence.
(d) Cesar Borgia of Romagna.

4. What is it that Machiavelli prizes most of his possessions?
(a) His knowledge of the actions of great men.
(b) Horses and armor.
(c) Gold and precious gems.
(d) Fine fabrics.

5. To whom does Machiavelli compare himself in writing this book?
(a) A choreographer.
(b) A chemist.
(c) A professor.
(d) A cartographer.

6. What does Machiavelli see as an inevitable result of changes in government?
(a) Pleasure of the subjects who like to see a lot of changes.
(b) Growth of the dominion by annexation.
(c) A dovetailing of more and more change.
(d) Better conditions for the subjects of a dominion.

7. How do the Medici come to power?
(a) Through war.
(b) Through democratic elections.
(c) Through clever political manipulation.
(d) Through inheritance.

8. What, according to Machiavelli, will always make a prince's position insecure?
(a) Relying on mercenary or auxiliary military forces.
(b) Being in control of the military.
(c) Failure to spend the money for a mercenary military.
(d) Putting too much emphasis on military rule.

9. What is Machiavelli offering the Prince Lorenzo de Medici?
(a) The chance to become king of all Italy.
(b) A large book of rules for new princes to use in governing the people.
(c) Personal introductions to great men Machiavelli knows.
(d) Means of mastering in a short time all Machiavelli has learned about governing.

10. Why did Machiavelli say that Italy has been overrun by Charles, plundered by Louis, ravished by Ferdinand, and dishonored by the Swiss?
(a) Because it has no central government.
(b) Because too many people are in charge of the military.
(c) Because the Italians have forgotten the military methods of the Roman Empire.
(d) Because it has had only a mercenary military.

11. What does Machiavelli say his desire is for Prince Lorenzo?
(a) That he sets up a completely new form of government.
(b) That he attain all the merits he deserves.
(c) That he recognizes Machiavelli's genius.
(d) That he not become a tyrant.

12. What does Machiavelli suggest makes for peace in a dominion?
(a) A Prince who knows how to hide his bad habits.
(b) A Prince who knows how to keep the people in line by force.
(c) A brilliant and vocal Prince.
(d) Each day being the same as the day before.

13. What does Machiavelli see as the problem with barons?
(a) Barons are known for being cruel and causing trouble.
(b) The people tend to give more aligeance to the barrons than to the prince.
(c) The people do not understand the difference between a prince and a baron.
(d) Barons can do only what the prince orders.

14. What form of government comes from a long line of ancestors?
(a) A hereditary princedom.
(b) An elected dynasty.
(c) Princedoms formed by warring factions.
(d) New princedoms.

15. Machiavelli says some new princes may gain their new states either in exchange for money or as a favor. What other means does he point out for gaining a state?
(a) Bribing the military.
(b) Promising to lower taxes.
(c) Holding many public meetings.
(d) Making themselves popular with the people.

Short Answer Questions

1. What example does Machiavelli cite as a wholly new princedom?

2. Aside from granting favors to his subjects during a siege, what does Machiavelli suggest a wise prince might do?

3. How does Machiavelli say that the successors of Alexander the Great were able to retain power after his untimely death?

4. What is Machiavelli's example of rule by a sole prince?

5. What advantage does Machiavelli point out for Princes who rule hereditary dominions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 825 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample