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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 much of man's fate does Machiavelli ascribe to God and Fortune?
(a) None at all.
(b) Everything.
(c) Almost all.
(d) A little less than half.

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

3. What does the wise prince do to maintain the loyalty of the people?
(a) Perfroms the popular acts himself and delegates unpopular actions to someone else.
(b) Plays with the people and leaves the government up to someone else.
(c) Does both popular and unpopular actions always in a fair manner.
(d) Exasperates the nobles and therefore pleases the people.

4. How does Machiavelli say a prince should keep the attention of the people?
(a) By explaining everything to the people.
(b) By taking bold actions.
(c) By using his nobles to speak to the people.
(d) By keeping a low profile.

5. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best fortress for a prince?
(a) Favorable public opinion.
(b) Military barracks surrounding his palace.
(c) A palace surrounded by a wide moat.
(d) A palace in the center of the city.

Short Answer Questions

1. Those who were viewed with suspicion at the beginning of a princedom usually become the most loyal subjects. Why?

2. What does Machiavelli say is the problem with remaining neutral between two warring sides?

3. What dichotomy does Machiavelli present regarding goodness and vices in a prince?

4. How does Machiavelli define auxiliary forces?

5. Machiavelli's political thought is influenced greatly by the ideas of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Machiavelli sees Utopian ideas of principalities and republics.

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

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

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

5. How does Machiavelli evaluate the three types of mind he says princes may have?

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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