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 does Machiavelli insist about a Prince who lost his dominion by force?
(a) The people would forget all about him.
(b) It would be easy to get it back.
(c) He would lose all popularity with the people.
(d) He would have to run for his life and never return.

2. Does Machiavelli suggest that rising to power through cruelty is always wrong?
(a) He suggests that there is a proper use of cruelty.
(b) He believes that cruelty must continue to be successful.
(c) He says any use of cruelty cannot be justified.
(d) He states that political assassination is not cruelty.

3. What one thing does Machiavelli insist that every prince needs?
(a) To read his book.
(b) Deep pockets.
(c) A strong military.
(d) The good will of the people.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the advantage of the prince selected by the people?

2. What was Machiavelli's method for learning political government?

3. Why does Machiavelli say that new territories are harder to govern than hereditary ones?

4. What is Machiavelli removing from the political thinking during a time when the Roman Catholic Church was still appointing Emperors?

5. Why is setting up a system of government using conquered citizens effective?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Briefly write down how Machiavelli describes Agathocles of Sicily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,237 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample