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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who does Machiavelli assign blame to when a prince loses his dominion?
(a) The prince himself.
(b) The fickleness of the people.
(c) The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
(d) The nobility.

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

3. Why should a new prince not disarm his people?
(a) Having arms is a basic human right.
(b) It gives the people added duties and importance.
(c) Disarmed people cannot protect their prince.
(d) It shows that he either distrusts the people or fears them.

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

5. What is Machiavelli's advice about people who do things that ultimately enrich the princedom?
(a) They should be taxed heavier than others.
(b) They should be viewed with suspicion.
(c) They should be amply rewarded.
(d) Their property should be confiscated.

6. Why should a prince keep down factions in his princedom?
(a) The prince must decide which faction is stronger and play up to them.
(b) People enjoy the debates and work production slows down.
(c) The weaker faction will side with an outside enemy, and the stronger will not be able to hold out.
(d) Factions keep him tied up as a judge all the time.

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

8. Which examples does Machiavelli use to support the idea of not being overly generous?
(a) Moses and the Duke of Milan.
(b) The King of Spain and the King of France.
(c) King Saul and Ramses the Great.
(d) King Midas and King Darius.

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

10. How can honesty in other people cause the prince to lose respect?
(a) When their honesty is not recognized for what it is.
(b) When the prince never believes anything he hears.
(c) When people are not afraid of offending the prince by what they say.
(d) When the honesty is really only half truths.

11. How much of man's fate does Machiavelli ascribe to God and Fortune?
(a) A little less than half.
(b) Everything.
(c) None at all.
(d) Almost all.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why is a reputation for cruelty necessary for a prince?

3. What response does a prince receive if he is seen as fickle, effeminate, cowardly, frivolous, or irresolute?

4. What example does Machiavelli give of a ruler in whom his people have no confidence?

5. What results when a ruler lacks resolution and his mind is easily changed.

(see the answer keys)

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