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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli tell the prince is more important than morality in government?
(a) Religion.
(b) Generosity.
(c) Philosophy.
(d) Expediency.

2. What is it that a prince cannot control among his subjects?
(a) Their taxation.
(b) Their fear.
(c) Their cooperation.
(d) Their love.

3. Which statement is true according to Machiavelli?
(a) It is better to be feared than loved.
(b) A prince should be quick to believe and quick to act.
(c) Men are more likely to break a promise made in fear.
(d) Men care more about offending those they love than those they fear.

4. Although Machiavelli says that Pope Julius II was impetuous in all he did, still he succeeded. Why?
(a) Fate caused many changes during his time.
(b) He relied on God to keep him safe.
(c) Because of his successes, he always looked for new ways of doing things.
(d) His actions fit the times.

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

6. What is the advantage of being miserly?
(a) Everything eventually belongs to the prince.
(b) Waging was is possible without having to tax the people heavily.
(c) The people will not work harder to receive the prince's generosity.
(d) The prince can go count his money when he cannot sleep.

7. What metaphor does Machiavelli use to explain his ideas about Fortune?
(a) Fortune as a mistress who always gets the upper hand on man.
(b) We cannot stop a river from overflowing, but we can make provisions against the disaster.
(c) The animals know when to seek higher ground even before a flood happens.
(d) We cannot control the wind and are blown about by it.

8. Who does Machiavelli cite as an example of generosity that ended badly?
(a) Julius Caesar.
(b) Alexander the Great.
(c) Marc Anthony.
(d) Moses.

9. What does Machiavelli suggest is wrong with concepts of an ideal princedom or republic.
(a) It has no basis in reality.
(b) It can only be accomplished by a pure leader.
(c) It is not useful as a mental exercise.
(d) More people have not considered the concepts.

10. What is the advantage of taking sides when both warring factions are weaker than the prince?
(a) He will get money from the side he chooses.
(b) He eliminates one and gains the obligation of the other.
(c) He could become a prisoner if he does not.
(d) He can take over both principalities after the war is over.

11. What does Machiavelli mean when he says "impetuousness is better than calculation"?
(a) Fortune admits more readily to boldness than to calculation.
(b) Young men are too cautious to be successful.
(c) Old men are usually more daring and agressive in their actions.
(d) Calculation enables one to do innovative things.

12. How does Machiavelli say that the great military leaders of history were so successful?
(a) By relying on hired soldiers from other countries.
(b) By studying the arts.
(c) By finding new ways to avoid war.
(d) By imitating the great men before them.

13. How does Machiavelli classify auxiliary troops?
(a) As the worst possible choice for a prince to make.
(b) As the best possible choice for a prince to make.
(c) As extremely reliable during a crisis.
(d) As cheaper than hiring independent mercenaries.

14. How does Machiavelli justify his position that a prince is not duty bound to keep his word?
(a) He says men are basically self-centered and will not keep their word, so the prince is not obligated to do so.
(b) He says that people always believe everything a prince says, so he can say what he pleases.
(c) He says that a prince should always change his mind about everything until he gets all the facts.
(d) He says it is the only way to keep the people satisfied that he knows what he is doing.

15. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince recalled by the people after being conquered offers him no security?
(a) It is probably only a stop-gap moment.
(b) It does not depend upon the prince himself for success.
(c) It is noble and, therefore, weak.
(d) It is only a last ditch effort at establishing the dominion.

Short Answer Questions

1. Those who were viewed with suspicion at the beginning of a princedom usually become the most loyal subjects. Why?

2. What does Machiavelli say are the two main reasons for a prince to lose his dominion?

3. How can honesty in other people cause the prince to lose respect?

4. What historical example does Machiavelli give to show how a military should be organized?

5. In terms of receiving advice, what is the main thing a prince must remember and do to preserve power.

(see the answer keys)

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