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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What results when a ruler lacks resolution and his mind is easily changed.
(a) The people like his easy going style.
(b) Everyone knows what to expect. from the laws.
(c) Ministers always wait to see what a final decision will be.
(d) The people have no confidence in him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. In terms of receiving advice, what is the main thing a prince must remember and do to preserve power.
(a) Only pretend to listen to advice.
(b) Be ready to execute those who offer bad advice.
(c) Listen to everyone because someone will have the best idea.
(d) Listen to the right people but make up his own mind.

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

14. What must a prince always do concerning advice?
(a) He must discourage advice that he has not asked for.
(b) He must wait for his ministers to offer their advice.
(c) He must listen to everyone all the time.
(d) He must never accept anyone's advice except his own.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. A prince who has acquired a new dominion added to his own should disarm the conquered people. Why?

3. What is the one thing a man cannot fight against according to Machiavelli?

4. Which examples does Machiavelli use to support the idea of not being overly generous?

5. What is the advantage of being miserly?

(see the answer keys)

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