View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What is Machiavelli's advice about people who do things that ultimately enrich the princedom?
(a) They should be taxed heavier than others.
(b) They should be amply rewarded.
(c) Their property should be confiscated.
(d) They should be viewed with suspicion.

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

4. Those who were viewed with suspicion at the beginning of a princedom usually become the most loyal subjects. Why?
(a) They work hard to gain the approval of the prince.
(b) They never did anything to cause distrust in the first place.
(c) The prince will use them for unpopular tasks.
(d) The prince was a poor judge of character in the beginning.

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

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

7. What causes the people to begin to support the new prince?
(a) Getting surprise gifts from the prince.
(b) Seeing they are well off.
(c) Having audiences with the prince.
(d) Seeing many changes in their daily lives.

8. What can a new prince be assured of?
(a) That there will be a time of stability in the early days.
(b) That no one expects him to do anything unusual.
(c) That he will be watched closely.
(d) That he will automatically have the loyalty of his subjects.

9. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best fortress for a prince?
(a) A palace in the center of the city.
(b) A palace surrounded by a wide moat.
(c) Military barracks surrounding his palace.
(d) Favorable public opinion.

10. What is the best type of mind Machiavelli says is needed for a strong prince?
(a) One that takes only a short time to make a decision
(b) One that can understand what other men think.
(c) One that can think for himself.
(d) One that has no opinions whatsoever.

11. Ferdinand of Spain became strong by waging war. What did he use to do that and get the people behind him?
(a) The name of religion.
(b) The divine right of kings.
(c) He only chose popular wars.
(d) The prosperity from military spending.

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

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

14. What is a constant threat to any prince?
(a) Assassination.
(b) Loss of income.
(c) Invasion.
(d) Unpopularity.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which prince does Machiavelli say must be generous?

2. What does the wise prince do to maintain the loyalty of the people?

3. What results when a ruler lacks resolution and his mind is easily changed.

4. What example does Machiavelli give of a ruler in whom his people have no confidence?

5. What does Machiavelli warn the prince against?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 769 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample