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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. Who does Machiavelli assign blame to when a prince loses his dominion?
(a) The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
(b) The nobility.
(c) The prince himself.
(d) The fickleness of the people.

2. Who can successfully gain the reputation for generosity but not ruin himself in the process?
(a) A prince who has unlimited resources.
(b) A prince who gives away someone else's money.
(c) A prince who only gives when he can expect a generous return.
(d) A prince who goes to war to create jobs for his subjects.

3. What does Machiavelli say the King of Naples and the Duke of Milan had in common?
(a) They both had great skill in dealing with the nobles.
(b) They both improved the laws in their dominions.
(c) They both lost their dominions in Italy.
(d) They both learned quickly how to rule effectively.

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

5. What is more effective than honesty in a prince?
(a) Indifference.
(b) Generosity.
(c) Cunning.
(d) Good looks.

Short Answer Questions

1. What results when a ruler lacks resolution and his mind is easily changed.

2. What does Machiavelli suggest is wrong with concepts of an ideal princedom or republic.

3. What did Heiro of Syracuse do when he realized his mercenary troops were worthless?

4. What is Machiavelli's advice about people who do things that ultimately enrich the princedom?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Outline Machiavelli's position of honesty in a prince.

2. What is Machiavelli's position on neutrality? Explain.

3. How does Machiavelli tell the prince to avoid assassination attempts against him?

4. Explain Machiavelli's views on rewards and punishments.

5. How can a prince gain a reputation for great accomplishments and generosity without bringing about his own ruin?

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

7. Why does Machiavelli say that war is the only art expected of a prince?

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

9. Give examples of leaders who recognized the need for their own loyal troops.

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

(see the answer keys)

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