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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Why is a reputation for cruelty necessary for a prince?
(a) To defend himself from mercenaries.
(b) To maintain control of his army.
(c) To show his tough love.
(d) To keep people from asking too much.

4. What does Machiavelli say the new prince can least afford?
(a) Disorder.
(b) Cruelty.
(c) Excessive kindness.
(d) Executions.

5. What does Machiavelli say are the two main reasons for a prince to lose his dominion?
(a) Relying on the church and neglecting to read history.
(b) Relying on past experience and not planning for the unexpected.
(c) Relying entirely on fate or making the wrong provisions for expected misfortune.
(d) Relying on himself and not listening to sound advice.

6. Why does Machiavelli say that the sultans of Turkey and Egypt had to listen more to the military than to the people?
(a) The people did not understand the threats of invasion.
(b) The best people were in their militaries.
(c) Their countries were controlled by the military.
(d) All the men were drafted into the military.

7. 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.

8. What did Heiro of Syracuse do when he realized his mercenary troops were worthless?
(a) He refused to pay them.
(b) He had them cut to pieces.
(c) He hired more mercenaries.
(d) He put them on the front lines to be killed.

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

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

11. 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 is noble and, therefore, weak.
(c) It does not depend upon the prince himself for success.
(d) It is only a last ditch effort at establishing the dominion.

12. Who is Machiavelli's ultimate example of the correct use of cruelty?
(a) Alexander the Great.
(b) Hannibal.
(c) King Louis.
(d) Moses.

13. Those who were viewed with suspicion at the beginning of a princedom usually become the most loyal subjects. Why?
(a) The prince will use them for unpopular tasks.
(b) They work hard to gain the approval of the prince.
(c) The prince was a poor judge of character in the beginning.
(d) They never did anything to cause distrust in the first place.

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

15. What is more effective than honesty in a prince?
(a) Good looks.
(b) Cunning.
(c) Generosity.
(d) Indifference.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. When does Machiavelli say a prince should be thinking most about military strategy?

3. What does Machiavelli suggest will be the reaction of the people if he is greedy and seizes property and women?

4. What is the best type of mind Machiavelli says is needed for a strong prince?

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

(see the answer keys)

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