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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 in Machiavelli's opinion is the problem with a prince being too liberal with his subjects?
(a) He will not have time to enjoy his own life.
(b) People will not take him seriously when he has a problem.
(c) Eventually his liberality will lead to burdensome taxation.
(d) Everyone will always fear him because he might take away his liberality.

2. How is a prince ultimately judged?
(a) By the mob.
(b) By his results.
(c) By his wealth and grandeur.
(d) By his years as a prince.

3. Those who were viewed with suspicion at the beginning of a princedom usually become the most loyal subjects. Why?
(a) They never did anything to cause distrust in the first place.
(b) The prince was a poor judge of character in the beginning.
(c) The prince will use them for unpopular tasks.
(d) They work hard to gain the approval of the prince.

4. What example does Machiavelli give of a ruler in whom his people have no confidence?
(a) King Ferdinand of Spain.
(b) Emperor Maximillian.
(c) Pope Alexander VI.
(d) King Louis of France.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What, according to Machiavelli, is better than actually having all the good qualities of leadership?

2. What does Machiavelli say is the first requirement of a commander?

3. How does Machiavelli justify his position that a prince is not duty bound to keep his word?

4. What must a prince always do concerning advice?

5. Why does Machiavelli say that auxiliary forces are more dangerous than mercenaries?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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