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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. In his discussion of the qualities of a good leader, how does Machiavelli depart from the accepted rules?
(a) He does not accept the idea that a prince must be good in all matters.
(b) He accepts the Christian ideals of his time.
(c) He thinks that if the prince is always good, the people will imitate him.
(d) He says a prince must always do the will of the people.

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

3. What does the prince gain from rewarding his ministers well for jobs well done?
(a) He gets their support without fear of their trying to overthrow him.
(b) He gets a percentage of all those ministers make from taking bribes.
(c) He gets time to look around for new ministers who are not so dangerous.
(d) He gets losts of gifts from those ministers who become wealthy.

4. What does Machiavelli suggest is wrong with concepts of an ideal princedom or republic.
(a) It has no basis in reality.
(b) More people have not considered the concepts.
(c) It is not useful as a mental exercise.
(d) It can only be accomplished by a pure leader.

5. Which prince does Machiavelli say must be generous?
(a) One just coming into power.
(b) One who is about to go to war.
(c) One who has excessive vices.
(d) One who inherited his title.

Short Answer Questions

1. What message does a prince give his subjects if he builds a fortress for himself?

2. How does Machiavelli say a private citizen might make himself a prince?

3. How will the prince be seen if his ministers are capable and wise even though he is not?

4. Why should a prince keep down factions in his princedom?

5. What in Machiavelli's opinion is the problem with a prince being too liberal with his subjects?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Describe Machiavelli's position on fortresses.

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

(see the answer keys)

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