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

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 did not understand the thinking of the people.
(c) They were standing in the right place at the right time.
(d) It had nothing to do with fortune, but was because of their own talents.

3. After Alexander VI, how did the Pope continue to strengthen the Church's position?
(a) By putting monasteries in new dominions.
(b) By gaining more popularity among the Italians.
(c) By selling ecclesiastical offices and annexing land.
(d) By military invasions of other dominions.

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

5. What does Machiavelli see as the problem with barons?
(a) The people do not understand the difference between a prince and a baron.
(b) Barons can do only what the prince orders.
(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.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Aside from humble beginnings, what does Machiavelli say that Agathocles and Oliverotto have in common?

3. What example does Machiavelli give of a dominion that is a limb of a larger one?

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

5. What factor does Machiavelli suggest makes it easier to rule a new territory?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe the factors that may make it easier for a new prince to rule.

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

7. Explain why Machiavelli does not speak about Republics in THE PRINCE.

8. Describe the conditions that made it possible for Moses, Romulus, Cyrus, and Theseus to be successful in uniting their people.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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