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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 example does Machiavelli give of a prince who had the support of his people and was able to withstand invasion?
(a) Giorgio Scalli of Florence.
(b) Gracci of Rome.
(c) Cesar Borgia of Romagna.
(d) Nabis, Prince of Sparta.

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

3. How does Machiavelli say that those who help a prince obtain a new princedom may turn against him?
(a) By becoming jealous of his new power.
(b) By going elsewhere to fight new battles.
(c) By not receiving what was promised to them.
(d) By deciding that they do not need the prince.

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

5. Why is Niccolo Machiavelli suddenly out of a job?
(a) He has had a long illness.
(b) He has taken too much time off.
(c) He insulted Prince Lorenzo de Medici.
(d) He has been working for the government overthrown by the Medici.

Short Answer Questions

1. What can deprive a prince of his princedom?

2. How can a common citizen rise to political power?

3. Citing Moses, Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus, what distinction does Machiavelli make about Moses?

4. What powerful force does Machiavelli say can efface innovations in government?

5. What reasons does Machiavelli put forward to get Prince Lorenzo to read his book?

Short Essay Questions

1. Define the problems of a State that is ruled by a king and the nobility.

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

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

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

5. Explain how, according to Machiavelli, Alexander the Great was able to establish a government in Persia that lasted long after his untimely death.

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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