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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 say are the two foundations necessary for a princedom?
(a) Sound laws and a sound military.
(b) A popular prince and a mercenary military.
(c) Total military rule and a contented public.
(d) Sound laws that do not rely on a military.

2. What does Machiavelli see as the problem with barons?
(a) Barons can do only what the prince orders.
(b) The people do not understand the difference between a prince and a baron.
(c) The people tend to give more aligeance to the barrons than to the prince.
(d) Barons are known for being cruel and causing trouble.

3. Why does Machiavelli insist that hereditary princedoms are more easily maintained?
(a) The prince changes things often at his own whim.
(b) The prince has more power than a republic.
(c) All people everywhere actually prefer a prince.
(d) The people are already familiar with that form of government.

4. Aside from humble beginnings, what does Machiavelli say that Agathocles and Oliverotto have in common?
(a) They got their positions from other princes.
(b) They refused to resort to political assassination.
(c) They knew what they wanted and made a plan to get it.
(d) They were both Italians.

5. Who does Machiavelli say should always be in charge of the troops in a princedom?
(a) A well paid mercenary captain.
(b) The prince himself.
(c) A trusted civilian commander.
(d) A relative of the prince.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Machiavelli say Agathocles became Prince of Syracuse?

2. What does Machiavelli suggest is the weakness of a mercenary military?

3. What ancient example does Machiavelli use to illustrate the rise to power through criminal actions?

4. What does Machiavelli say will be an advantage to a prince who lost his dominion by force of arms?

5. What were the results of Sparta setting up oligarchies in Athens and Thebes after they conquered them?

Short Essay Questions

1. If a hereditary prince loses his dominion in war, will he be able to regain his former position? Explain.

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

3. How did Cesare Borgia hold onto power in Romagna?

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

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

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

7. What makes the instability of the Orsini and Cologna a constant struggle.

8. What are the two types of princedoms as identified by Machiavelli?

9. How are Ecclesiastical dominions so easily maintained?

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

(see the answer keys)

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