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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. Why does Machiavelli not discuss democracies?
(a) None existed at that time.
(b) He called democracy by another name.
(c) He rejected the idea outright as a madness of the Greeks.
(d) He considered them inferior.

2. What does Machiavelli say a new prince must do quickly after gaining a new dominion?
(a) Read his book.
(b) Learn quickly.
(c) Hand out money.
(d) Build a new palace.

3. What reasons does Machiavelli put forward to get Prince Lorenzo to read his book?
(a) Experience and his low-born status.
(b) Experience and the absence of flattery.
(c) Experience and his ability as a writer.
(d) Experience and his personal need.

4. What are the two types of government identified by Machiavelli?
(a) State and Dominion.
(b) City State and Territory.
(c) State and Republic.
(d) Kingdom and City State.

5. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best solution for governing a new territory?
(a) The new Prince should raise taxes.
(b) The new Prince should live there.
(c) The new Prince should kill his own military commanders.
(d) The new Prince should go away and let the people have self-rule.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What example does Machiavelli give of a conquered territory rebelling against 100 years of servitude?

3. What does Machiavelli see as the problem with barons?

4. How did the Romans maintain control in Capua, Carthage, and Numantia?

5. How do the Medici come to power?

Short Essay Questions

1. Tell how Machiavelli suggests it is easiest to control a conquered state.

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

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

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

5. How are Ecclesiastical dominions so easily maintained?

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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