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. How can a common citizen rise to political power?
(a) As a compromise between two parties.
(b) Through the help of friends.
(c) With a lot of money behind him.
(d) By popular election.

2. What does Machiavelli suggest may make a hereditary ruler unpopular with his people?
(a) Never changing the way they are accustomed to being ruled.
(b) Staying away from the princedom for long periods of time.
(c) Outrageous vices.
(d) Using his army to gain more territory.

3. What is it that Machiavelli prizes most of his possessions?
(a) Horses and armor.
(b) His knowledge of the actions of great men.
(c) Fine fabrics.
(d) Gold and precious gems.

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

5. What were the results of Sparta setting up oligarchies in Athens and Thebes after they conquered them?
(a) They held them for a thousand years.
(b) They changed their own forms of government.
(c) They learned how to retain a possession.
(d) They lost the new territories.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli suggest makes for peace in a dominion?

2. Machiavelli gives the example of how Cesare Borgia used Minister Remiro d'Orco in his plan to rule Romagna. After d'Orco brought the territory under control, what does Machiavelli say Cesare Borgia did to get the loyalty of the people?

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

4. After Alexander VI, how did the Pope continue to strengthen the Church's position?

5. Machiavelli says some new princes may gain their new states either in exchange for money or as a favor. What other means does he point out for gaining a state?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the reasons Machiavelli says the German cities are so secure.

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

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

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

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

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

9. How are Ecclesiastical dominions so easily maintained?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,130 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample