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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Machiavelli say a prince can make himself feared without making himself hated?
(a) By taking the women away.
(b) By leaving people's property alone.
(c) By hanging only unpopular criminals.
(d) By giving pardons to criminals.

2. When rule by law is ineffective, what does Machiavelli advise the prince to use?
(a) Diplomacy..
(b) Popularity.
(c) Great honesty.
(d) Force.

3. What response does a prince receive if he is seen as fickle, effeminate, cowardly, frivolous, or irresolute?
(a) Strong support.
(b) None.
(c) Admiration.
(d) Contempt.

4. What is the first test of a new prince as a judge?
(a) Firing his military leaders and putting them into prison.
(b) The number of executions he orders at the beginning of his reign.
(c) The amount of public aid he offers the people.
(d) The wisdom and ability of the ministers he chooses to help him.

5. What in Machiavelli's opinion is the problem with a prince being too liberal with his subjects?
(a) Eventually his liberality will lead to burdensome taxation.
(b) Everyone will always fear him because he might take away his liberality.
(c) He will not have time to enjoy his own life.
(d) People will not take him seriously when he has a problem.

6. How does Machiavelli define avarice?
(a) Being so generous that he has nothing left.
(b) Being of the disposition to take what is not one's own.
(c) Being miserly and not generous enough.
(d) Being nothing but a warrior.

7. What can a new prince be assured of?
(a) That he will be watched closely.
(b) That there will be a time of stability in the early days.
(c) That no one expects him to do anything unusual.
(d) That he will automatically have the loyalty of his subjects.

8. What does Machiavelli say the King of Naples and the Duke of Milan had in common?
(a) They both improved the laws in their dominions.
(b) They both lost their dominions in Italy.
(c) They both learned quickly how to rule effectively.
(d) They both had great skill in dealing with the nobles.

9. What is the best type of mind Machiavelli says is needed for a strong prince?
(a) One that takes only a short time to make a decision
(b) One that can think for himself.
(c) One that has no opinions whatsoever.
(d) One that can understand what other men think.

10. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince need not always be honest?
(a) Because men are not basically good by nature.
(b) Because an honest prince cannot be cruel at the same time.
(c) Because he cannot remember everything he said in the past.
(d) Because he needs to change the circumstances.

11. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best fortress for a prince?
(a) Favorable public opinion.
(b) A palace surrounded by a wide moat.
(c) A palace in the center of the city.
(d) Military barracks surrounding his palace.

12. How is a prince ultimately judged?
(a) By the mob.
(b) By his years as a prince.
(c) By his wealth and grandeur.
(d) By his results.

13. What causes the people to begin to support the new prince?
(a) Seeing many changes in their daily lives.
(b) Having audiences with the prince.
(c) Getting surprise gifts from the prince.
(d) Seeing they are well off.

14. Which prince does Machiavelli say must be generous?
(a) One just coming into power.
(b) One who inherited his title.
(c) One who has excessive vices.
(d) One who is about to go to war.

15. Why should a prince declare himself as for or against two warring factions?
(a) He will always know which side will win.
(b) He should not be seen as waivering.
(c) He should look like he is wiser than other princes.
(d) He will be able to deal with the loser.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is it that a prince cannot control among his subjects?

2. What does Machiavelli see as an insurmountable chasm?

3. Who is Machiavelli's ultimate example of the correct use of cruelty?

4. What did Heiro of Syracuse do when he realized his mercenary troops were worthless?

5. What is the advantage of being miserly?

(see the answer keys)

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