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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 does Machiavelli see as an inevitable result of changes in government?
(a) A dovetailing of more and more change.
(b) Pleasure of the subjects who like to see a lot of changes.
(c) Growth of the dominion by annexation.
(d) Better conditions for the subjects of a dominion.

2. What example does Machiavelli cite as a wholly new princedom?
(a) The new Kingdom of Naples.
(b) Milan under Francesco Sforza.
(c) Venice under the Doge.
(d) The Kingdom of Spain.

3. What advantage does Machiavelli point out for Princes who rule hereditary dominions?
(a) He can get away with having more vices.
(b) People are accustomed to rule by that family.
(c) The Prince who inherited his donimion can disband his army.
(d) It is impossible for him to lose his dominion.

4. What problem faces a prince appointed by the nobles?
(a) The nobles see themselves as his equal and are not inclined to obey him.
(b) The nobles never have the good will of the people which makes for tensions.
(c) The people know they have rights under a price appointed by the nobles.
(d) The people will only support a prince appointed by the nobles.

5. Who does Machiavelli put forward as an example of a King who made all the mistakes in ruling a new territory?
(a) Duke Lodovico.
(b) Louis XII of France.
(c) Archduke Ferdinand of Austria.
(d) Charles I of Spain.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the event that the prince cannot afford a large army, what should he do?

2. How does Machiavelli say that the successors of Alexander the Great were able to retain power after his untimely death?

3. What can deprive a prince of his princedom?

4. What does Machiavelli cite as the measure of strength of a principality?

5. What, according to Machiavelli, will always make a prince's position insecure?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Discuss the Duke of Ferrara as a prince who regained his prominence after a period of time.

(see the answer keys)

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