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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 suggest will be the reaction of the people if he is greedy and seizes property and women?
(a) They will hate him.
(b) They will think he is a just ruler.
(c) They will support him.
(d) They will become like him.

2. What does Machiavelli mean when he says "impetuousness is better than calculation"?
(a) Old men are usually more daring and agressive in their actions.
(b) Young men are too cautious to be successful.
(c) Calculation enables one to do innovative things.
(d) Fortune admits more readily to boldness than to calculation.

3. What did Heiro of Syracuse do when he realized his mercenary troops were worthless?
(a) He had them cut to pieces.
(b) He hired more mercenaries.
(c) He put them on the front lines to be killed.
(d) He refused to pay them.

4. What can a new prince be assured of?
(a) That he will automatically have the loyalty of his subjects.
(b) That he will be watched closely.
(c) That no one expects him to do anything unusual.
(d) That there will be a time of stability in the early days.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which statement is true according to Machiavelli?

2. What does the prince gain from rewarding his ministers well for jobs well done?

3. What is more effective than honesty in a prince?

4. A prince who has acquired a new dominion added to his own should disarm the conquered people. Why?

5. When rule by law is ineffective, what does Machiavelli advise the prince to use?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What warnings does Machiavelli give regarding the generosity of a prince.

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

4. Why does Machiavelli caution against disarming the people of a conquered principality?

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

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

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

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

9. Describe Machiavelli's position on fortresses.

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

(see the answer keys)

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