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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Machiavelli's political thought is influenced greatly by the ideas of what?
(a) The strength of the Medici.
(b) The writings of Aristotle.
(c) The Bible.
(d) The Italian Rennaissance.

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

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

5. Why does Machiavelli argue against a prince being overly generous?
(a) His generosity includes being able to pay his military high wages.
(b) To support his generosity, the prince must tax his subjects heavily.
(c) By being generous the people love him excessively.
(d) By being generous, he avoids beeing seen as a miser.

6. 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.

7. Who can successfully gain the reputation for generosity but not ruin himself in the process?
(a) A prince who gives away someone else's money.
(b) A prince who goes to war to create jobs for his subjects.
(c) A prince who has unlimited resources.
(d) A prince who only gives when he can expect a generous return.

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

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

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

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

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

13. How does Machiavelli say a prince should keep the attention of the people?
(a) By using his nobles to speak to the people.
(b) By explaining everything to the people.
(c) By keeping a low profile.
(d) By taking bold actions.

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

15. Why does Machiavelli say that auxiliary forces are more dangerous than mercenaries?
(a) Auxiliary forces are not considered deserters if they run from war.
(b) Auxilaries need less time and opportunity to move against the ruler that employed them.
(c) Auxiliary forces may be recalled if their home dominion is attacked.
(d) Mercenaries can all speak the language of the princedom.

Short Answer Questions

1. What causes the people to begin to support the new prince?

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

3. What does Machiavelli warn the prince against?

4. What does Machiavelli say is the first requirement of a commander?

5. What can a new prince be assured of?

(see the answer keys)

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