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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli cite as the measure of strength of a principality?
(a) The ability to field a strong army.
(b) The total land area of the principality.
(c) Enough money to pay bribes.
(d) The popularity of the prince.

2. What does Machiavelli say was the reason for successes by Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus?
(a) Like Moses, they could talk with God.
(b) They were standing in the right place at the right time.
(c) They did not understand the thinking of the people.
(d) It had nothing to do with fortune, but was because of their own talents.

3. What combination of circumstances does Machiavelli identify in men like Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus?
(a) Time and location.
(b) Pride and ability.
(c) Strength and fortitude.
(d) Opportunity and merit.

4. How does Machiavelli say that those who help a prince obtain a new princedom may turn against him?
(a) By not receiving what was promised to them.
(b) By becoming jealous of his new power.
(c) By going elsewhere to fight new battles.
(d) By deciding that they do not need the prince.

5. What type of principality does Machiavelli claim may be kept without talent or fortune?
(a) Absolute monarchy.
(b) Hereditary.
(c) Ecclesiastical.
(d) Monastic.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the irony of the death of Oliverotto of Fermo who came to power by assembling all the leaders for a dinner and then killing them all?

2. What can deprive a prince of his princedom?

3. How does Machiavelli describe the temper (mindset) of the public?

4. After gaining dominions by merit, how does Machiavelli say a prince can hold his new territories?

5. What does Machiavelli say his desire is for Prince Lorenzo?

Short Essay Questions

1. To what does Machiavelli ascribe his present circumstances as he writes the book?

2. What are the difficulties new princes face when setting up a new government?

3. Explain how Machiavelli says Cesare Borgia came to power.

4. Explain how Machiavelli sees the importance of sound laws and a sound military.

5. What advantage does the hereditary prince have in maintaining his dominion?

6. Define the problems of a State that is ruled by a king and the nobility.

7. How does Machiavelli explain a man of his common social standing being qualified to advise a prince?

8. How are Ecclesiastical dominions so easily maintained?

9. How does Machiavelli distinguish between proper and improper use of cruelty?

10. At the time Machiavelli is writing, he recognizes only two types of existing government. Explain each.

(see the answer keys)

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