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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Machiavelli say is the first requirement of a commander?
(a) Making sure he has the money to pay his mercenaries.
(b) Knowing how to locate the enemy, deploy his soldiers, and lay siege to a city.
(c) Making constant changes in his miliary command.
(d) Frequently reviewing his troops.

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

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

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

9. How does Machiavelli say a private citizen might make himself a prince?
(a) By becoming a puppet of an enemy military.
(b) By hiring his own mercenaries.
(c) By avoiding war and promoting peace.
(d) By becoming proficient in war and rising in rank.

10. What does Machiavelli warn the prince against?
(a) Flattery.
(b) Unpopularity.
(c) Other people's opinions of him.
(d) Seriousness.

11. Who can successfully gain the reputation for generosity but not ruin himself in the process?
(a) A prince who has unlimited resources.
(b) A prince who goes to war to create jobs for his subjects.
(c) A prince who gives away someone else's money.
(d) A prince who only gives when he can expect a generous return.

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

13. What is more effective than honesty in a prince?
(a) Indifference.
(b) Good looks.
(c) Cunning.
(d) Generosity.

14. Which prince does Machiavelli say must be generous?
(a) One just coming into power.
(b) One who is about to go to war.
(c) One who has excessive vices.
(d) One who inherited his title.

15. Why is a reputation for cruelty necessary for a prince?
(a) To show his tough love.
(b) To keep people from asking too much.
(c) To defend himself from mercenaries.
(d) To maintain control of his army.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince need not always be honest?

2. What does Machiavelli say are the two main reasons for a prince to lose his dominion?

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

4. How will a prince often be judged by others?

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

(see the answer keys)

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