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

2. Why should a prince declare himself as for or against two warring factions?
(a) He should not be seen as waivering.
(b) He should look like he is wiser than other princes.
(c) He will be able to deal with the loser.
(d) He will always know which side will win.

3. How does Machiavelli define auxiliary forces?
(a) The best insurance a prince has for his safety.
(b) Women mercenaries who fight along side of men.
(c) Extra manpower that may be called to active duty during a war.
(d) Those borrowed from other principalities to wage war.

4. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince need not always be honest?
(a) Because he cannot remember everything he said in the past.
(b) Because he needs to change the circumstances.
(c) Because an honest prince cannot be cruel at the same time.
(d) Because men are not basically good by nature.

5. How does Machiavelli say a prince can make himself feared without making himself hated?
(a) By hanging only unpopular criminals.
(b) By leaving people's property alone.
(c) By taking the women away.
(d) By giving pardons to criminals.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli say the new prince can least afford?

2. What causes the people to begin to support the new prince?

3. What is the advantage of being miserly?

4. What response does a prince receive if he is seen as fickle, effeminate, cowardly, frivolous, or irresolute?

5. In his discussion of the qualities of a good leader, how does Machiavelli depart from the accepted rules?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Machiavelli's discourse on flattery.

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

3. What kind of reading does Machiavelli advise for the prince? Why?

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

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

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

7. Describe Machiavelli's position on fortresses.

8. What does Machiavelli say is the first estimate of a prince as a ruler? Why?

9. Detail how Machiavelli says Italian princes lose their dominions.

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

(see the answer keys)

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