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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 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.

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

3. What example does Machiavelli give of a dominion that is a limb of a larger one?
(a) The King of Naples as part of the dominions of Spain.
(b) The Medici as part of the Borgia dominions.
(c) The Holy Roman Empire.
(d) The Prince of Venice as part of the dominions of France.

4. In acquiring a new dominion, if the prince does not use the force of his own arms, what alternative does Machiavelli suggest?
(a) The arms of others.
(b) Free elections.
(c) Appeals to the Pope of Rome.
(d) Political intrigue.

5. What does Machiavelli suggest is the surest way to govern a conquered territory?
(a) Destroy its civil and political systems first.
(b) Start paying higher salaries to bureaucrats.
(c) Keep the old system in place.
(d) Declare many holidays.

Short Answer Questions

1. In THE PRINCE, why does Machiavelli deal only with dominions and not republics?

2. What example does Machiavelli cite as a wholly new princedom?

3. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best solution for governing a new territory?

4. Why does Machiavelli say that Prince Lorenzo should not be surprised at what he is saying about new princedoms?

5. What does Machiavelli insist about a Prince who lost his dominion by force?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. If a hereditary prince loses his dominion in war, will he be able to regain his former position? Explain.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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