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

2. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince recalled by the people after being conquered offers him no security?
(a) It does not depend upon the prince himself for success.
(b) It is noble and, therefore, weak.
(c) It is only a last ditch effort at establishing the dominion.
(d) It is probably only a stop-gap moment.

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

4. What is the one thing a man cannot fight against according to Machiavelli?
(a) Religion.
(b) Man's own nature.
(c) The weather.
(d) Overwhelming bad fortune.

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

6. Why should a prince keep down factions in his princedom?
(a) Factions keep him tied up as a judge all the time.
(b) People enjoy the debates and work production slows down.
(c) The weaker faction will side with an outside enemy, and the stronger will not be able to hold out.
(d) The prince must decide which faction is stronger and play up to them.

7. How does Machiavelli say that the great military leaders of history were so successful?
(a) By studying the arts.
(b) By finding new ways to avoid war.
(c) By imitating the great men before them.
(d) By relying on hired soldiers from other countries.

8. 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 amount of public aid he offers the people.
(c) The number of executions he orders at the beginning of his reign.
(d) Firing his military leaders and putting them into prison.

9. What does Machiavelli mean when he says "impetuousness is better than calculation"?
(a) Old men are usually more daring and agressive in their actions.
(b) Young men are too cautious to be successful.
(c) Calculation enables one to do innovative things.
(d) Fortune admits more readily to boldness than to calculation.

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

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

12. What Biblical example does Machiavelli use to show that someone else's arms are useless?
(a) David and Goliath.
(b) Egypt and Syria.
(c) Caleb and Joshua.
(d) Samson and Delilah.

13. What does Machiavelli say is the problem with remaining neutral between two warring sides?
(a) It gives the appearance of self-importance.
(b) It is impossible to do.
(c) It cuts off all diplomatic relations.
(d) It loses former allies.

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

15. A prince who has acquired a new dominion added to his own should disarm the conquered people. Why?
(a) The new subjects will feel that the miliary will protect them.
(b) The arms should be in the control of his own military.
(c) He only needs the arms to add to his arsenal.
(d) It shows the new subjects that they are safe.

Short Answer Questions

1. Those who were viewed with suspicion at the beginning of a princedom usually become the most loyal subjects. Why?

2. How much of man's fate does Machiavelli ascribe to God and Fortune?

3. How will the prince be seen if his ministers are capable and wise even though he is not?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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