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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Why does Machiavelli say that auxiliary forces are more dangerous than mercenaries?
(a) Mercenaries can all speak the language of the princedom.
(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) Auxiliary forces are not considered deserters if they run from war.

3. What does the wise prince do to maintain the loyalty of the people?
(a) Perfroms the popular acts himself and delegates unpopular actions to someone else.
(b) Plays with the people and leaves the government up to someone else.
(c) Exasperates the nobles and therefore pleases the people.
(d) Does both popular and unpopular actions always in a fair manner.

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

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

6. How much of man's fate does Machiavelli ascribe to God and Fortune?
(a) A little less than half.
(b) None at all.
(c) Everything.
(d) Almost all.

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

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

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

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

11. 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.

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

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

14. 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 Italian Rennaissance.
(d) The Bible.

15. What message does a prince give his subjects if he builds a fortress for himself?
(a) That he fears the people.
(b) That he trusts his military advisors.
(c) That he is more important than the people.
(d) That he will always be ready to defend the people.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a constant threat to any prince?

2. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best fortress for a prince?

3. What does Machiavelli see as an insurmountable chasm?

4. What does Machiavelli mean when he says "impetuousness is better than calculation"?

5. What is the first test of a new prince as a judge?

(see the answer keys)

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