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. Although Machiavelli says that Pope Julius II was impetuous in all he did, still he succeeded. Why?
(a) He relied on God to keep him safe.
(b) Because of his successes, he always looked for new ways of doing things.
(c) Fate caused many changes during his time.
(d) His actions fit the times.

2. How will the prince be seen if his ministers are capable and wise even though he is not?
(a) He will be seen as a puppet to his ministers.
(b) He will be seen as having a great deal of luck.
(c) He will be seen as capable and wise.
(d) He will be seen as inferior.

3. What historical example does Machiavelli give to show how a military should be organized?
(a) Phillip, father of Alexander the Great.
(b) Sparticus and the Roman slaves.
(c) The last days of the Roman Empire.
(d) Darius, King of Persia.

4. Who is Machiavelli's ultimate example of the correct use of cruelty?
(a) Hannibal.
(b) Alexander the Great.
(c) Moses.
(d) King Louis.

5. A prince who has acquired a new dominion added to his own should disarm the conquered people. Why?
(a) The arms should be in the control of his own military.
(b) It shows the new subjects that they are safe.
(c) The new subjects will feel that the miliary will protect them.
(d) He only needs the arms to add to his arsenal.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who can successfully gain the reputation for generosity but not ruin himself in the process?

2. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince recalled by the people after being conquered offers him no security?

3. How much of man's fate does Machiavelli ascribe to God and Fortune?

4. How does Machiavelli say a prince can make himself feared without making himself hated?

5. What does Machiavelli say is the only art expected of a prince?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Machiavelli suggest a prince can be cruel and still be respected?

2. Describe Machiavelli's position on fortresses.

3. How does Machiavelli disagree with those who believe everything is controlled by God and Fortune.

4. Explain how Machiavelli sees the weakness of using auxiliary forces as a military for a princedom.

5. What is Machiavelli's advice regarding unasked for counsel?

6. Because new princes are closely watched, what does Machiavelli say they must do?

7. When there is peace outside the principality, what does Machiavelli caution against?

8. How does Machiavelli say a prince should be like a fox and a lion?

9. Describe the two main reasons that a prince may be secure one day and lose his dominion the next.

10. Why does Machiavelli maintain that it is not possible for a prince to embody only good qualities?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,196 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample