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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What factor does Machiavelli suggest makes it easier to rule a new territory?
(a) If the people like the new food introduced into the dominion.
(b) If the people have never been ruled before.
(c) If the new Prince leaves the old rulers in place.
(d) If the people speak the same language.

2. What does Machiavelli suggest is the weakness of a mercenary military?
(a) It is only useful during times of war.
(b) It works only for pay and may defect to the opposition or simply run away.
(c) It is too expensive to keep up during peace times.
(d) It is difficult to replace members who decide to return to their homes.

3. Aside from granting favors to his subjects during a siege, what does Machiavelli suggest a wise prince might do?
(a) Bribe his nobles to help him.
(b) Get his subjects to do favors for him.
(c) Make promises he knows he could never keep.
(d) Have parties within the walls as though nothing is wrong outside.

4. How did the Romans maintain control in Capua, Carthage, and Numantia?
(a) They made them all Roman citizens with new priviliges.
(b) They destroyed them and set up their own system of government.
(c) They moved the Roman capital to Carthage.
(d) They allowed them to select government officials from their own citizens.

5. 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?
(a) He was accidentally killed by a poorly aimed arrow.
(b) Cesare Borgia did the same thing to him.
(c) He died of natural causes before he could become Prince of Fermo.
(d) A son of one of the murdered men put poison in his wine.

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

7. What is the advantage of the prince selected by the people?
(a) He will be unable to ignore the wishes of the nobles.
(b) The nobles will always see this as a good sign and cooperate with the prince.
(c) The people will see the prince change them in many ways.
(d) He will have their support because all they want is not to be oppresed.

8. What type of principality does Machiavelli claim may be kept without talent or fortune?
(a) Ecclesiastical.
(b) Absolute monarchy.
(c) Monastic.
(d) Hereditary.

9. After gaining dominions by merit, how does Machiavelli say a prince can hold his new territories?
(a) It is impossible.
(b) With great difficulty.
(c) Rarely.
(d) Easily.

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

11. Who was responsible for weakening the power of Colonna and Orsini, the barons of Rome?
(a) Charles VIII of France.
(b) Remiro d'Orco.
(c) Cesare Borgia.
(d) King Louis VII.

12. In the event that the prince cannot afford a large army, what should he do?
(a) Negotiate diplomatically with any potential enemies.
(b) Make sure his city is well fortified.
(c) Post lookouts in the countryside.
(d) Have a good plan to escape if attacked.

13. How does Machiavelli describe the temper (mindset) of the public?
(a) Ignorant.
(b) Fickle.
(c) Easily maintained.
(d) Careless.

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

15. Who does Machiavelli say should always be in charge of the troops in a princedom?
(a) The prince himself.
(b) A trusted civilian commander.
(c) A relative of the prince.
(d) A well paid mercenary captain.

Short Answer Questions

1. What form of government comes from a long line of ancestors?

2. Ending his discussion of Ecclesiastical Dominions, why is Machiavelli so circumspect about the current Pope?

3. Why is Niccolo Machiavelli suddenly out of a job?

4. Cesare Borgia was helped in his drive for power by his father. Who was he?

5. Who does Machiavelli put forward as an example of a King who made all the mistakes in ruling a new territory?

(see the answer keys)

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