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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How is a prince ultimately judged?
(a) By his wealth and grandeur.
(b) By his results.
(c) By the mob.
(d) By his years as a prince.

2. What is the advantage of being miserly?
(a) Waging was is possible without having to tax the people heavily.
(b) The people will not work harder to receive the prince's generosity.
(c) Everything eventually belongs to the prince.
(d) The prince can go count his money when he cannot sleep.

3. How does Machiavelli classify auxiliary troops?
(a) As extremely reliable during a crisis.
(b) As the best possible choice for a prince to make.
(c) As cheaper than hiring independent mercenaries.
(d) As the worst possible choice for a prince to make.

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

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

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

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

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

9. What example does Machiavelli give of a ruler in whom his people have no confidence?
(a) Pope Alexander VI.
(b) King Ferdinand of Spain.
(c) Emperor Maximillian.
(d) King Louis of France.

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 is not useful as a mental exercise.
(c) More people have not considered the concepts.
(d) It has no basis in reality.

11. What does Machiavelli suggest will be the reaction of the people if he is greedy and seizes property and women?
(a) They will become like him.
(b) They will think he is a just ruler.
(c) They will support him.
(d) They will hate him.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What Biblical example does Machiavelli use to show that someone else's arms are useless?

2. How can honesty in other people cause the prince to lose respect?

3. What does the prince gain from rewarding his ministers well for jobs well done?

4. Who can successfully gain the reputation for generosity but not ruin himself in the process?

5. Why should a new prince not disarm his people?

(see the answer keys)

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