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

2. What type of principality does Machiavelli claim may be kept without talent or fortune?
(a) Absolute monarchy.
(b) Ecclesiastical.
(c) Monastic.
(d) Hereditary.

3. What is Machiavelli removing from the political thinking during a time when the Roman Catholic Church was still appointing Emperors?
(a) He is removing objections to the combination of church and state.
(b) He is removing constitutional authority.
(c) He is removing political involvement of the church.
(d) He is removing God from politics and the power equation.

4. 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?
(a) Promising to lower taxes.
(b) Holding many public meetings.
(c) Making themselves popular with the people.
(d) Bribing the military.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How did the Romans maintain control in Capua, Carthage, and Numantia?

2. How does Machiavelli say Agathocles became Prince of Syracuse?

3. To whom does Machiavelli compare himself in writing this book?

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

5. Cesare Borgia was helped in his drive for power by his father. Who was he?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What makes the instability of the Orsini and Cologna a constant struggle.

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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