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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli say is the only art expected of a prince?
(a) The art of collecting.
(b) The art of war.
(c) The art of fine living.
(d) The art of diplomacy.

2. 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) Their property should be confiscated.
(d) They should be amply rewarded.

3. What Roman Emperor does Machiavelli cite as an example of being both a lion and a fox?
(a) Antonius Severus.
(b) Marc Anthony.
(c) Septimius Severus.
(d) Julius Caesar.

4. What does Machiavelli see as an insurmountable chasm?
(a) The reality of the way we live versus the ideas of how we ought to live.
(b) The difference between the very rich and the very poor.
(c) Idealism and Christian philosophy of living.
(d) The understanding of the people versus the understanding of the prince.

5. In his discussion of the qualities of a good leader, how does Machiavelli depart from the accepted rules?
(a) He accepts the Christian ideals of his time.
(b) He thinks that if the prince is always good, the people will imitate him.
(c) He says a prince must always do the will of the people.
(d) He does not accept the idea that a prince must be good in all matters.

6. What is a constant threat to any prince?
(a) Unpopularity.
(b) Loss of income.
(c) Invasion.
(d) Assassination.

7. What, according to Machiavelli, is better than actually having all the good qualities of leadership?
(a) Keeping all promises.
(b) Never forgetting anything said in the past.
(c) Having the appearance of being religious.
(d) Really understanding the problems of the people.

8. 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) Calculation enables one to do innovative things.
(d) Old men are usually more daring and agressive in their actions.

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

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

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

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

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

14. How will the prince be seen if his ministers are capable and wise even though he is not?
(a) He will be seen as having a great deal of luck.
(b) He will be seen as inferior.
(c) He will be seen as a puppet to his ministers.
(d) He will be seen as capable and wise.

15. 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) Factions keep him tied up as a judge all the time.
(c) The weaker faction will side with an outside enemy, and the stronger will not be able to hold out.
(d) People enjoy the debates and work production slows down.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Machiavelli say that the great military leaders of history were so successful?

2. What does Machiavelli tell the prince is more important than morality in government?

3. Why does Machiavelli argue against a prince being overly generous?

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

5. What is more effective than honesty in a prince?

(see the answer keys)

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