View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What example does Machiavelli give of a prince who regained power after the opposition of the Venetians and Pope Julius?
(a) The Duke of Milan.
(b) The Duke of Genoa.
(c) The Duke of Ferrara.
(d) The Duke of Earle.

2. How does Machiavelli describe the temper (mindset) of the public?
(a) Careless.
(b) Easily maintained.
(c) Ignorant.
(d) Fickle.

3. Aside from granting favors to his subjects during a siege, what does Machiavelli suggest a wise prince might do?
(a) Have parties within the walls as though nothing is wrong outside.
(b) Make promises he knows he could never keep.
(c) Bribe his nobles to help him.
(d) Get his subjects to do favors for him.

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

5. Why did Machiavelli say that Italy has been overrun by Charles, plundered by Louis, ravished by Ferdinand, and dishonored by the Swiss?
(a) Because too many people are in charge of the military.
(b) Because it has had only a mercenary military.
(c) Because the Italians have forgotten the military methods of the Roman Empire.
(d) Because it has no central government.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli say a new prince must do quickly after gaining a new dominion?

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

3. What does Machiavelli say about skilled mercenary captains?

4. What, according to Machiavelli, will always make a prince's position insecure?

5. How can a prince deal with the people when they see their lands burning outside the city walls?

Short Essay Questions

1. What value does Machiavelli put on his gift to Prince Lorenzo de Medici?

2. Explain why Machiavelli believes a newly conquered territory is harder to govern than a hereditary dominion.

3. Describe the weakness Machiavelli sees with using mercenaries as the primary military strength of the prince.

4. Explain the customary way to seek the favor and audience of a prince.

5. What does Machiavelli mean when he says that dominions are obtained by either good Fortune or merit?

6. How does a prince maintain control inside a sieged city when the citizens see their homes and farms being burned outside the city?

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

8. Why should a new prince not set up a system of magistrates from among the people?

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

10. Why is it easier to rule a princedom than it is to govern a state or republic?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,122 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample