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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 is the first test of a new prince as a judge?
(a) The amount of public aid he offers the people.
(b) Firing his military leaders and putting them into prison.
(c) The number of executions he orders at the beginning of his reign.
(d) The wisdom and ability of the ministers he chooses to help him.

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

3. What dichotomy does Machiavelli present regarding goodness and vices in a prince?
(a) Goodness will preserve his princedom while vices will bring his downfall.
(b) People see goodness as weakness and vices as strengths.
(c) His goodness may lead to his downfall whereas his vices may sometimes keep him safe.
(d) Vices can be balanced out by the amount of fear they generate.

4. Who is Machiavelli's ultimate example of the correct use of cruelty?
(a) King Louis.
(b) Hannibal.
(c) Moses.
(d) Alexander the Great.

5. When rule by law is ineffective, what does Machiavelli advise the prince to use?
(a) Force.
(b) Diplomacy..
(c) Popularity.
(d) Great honesty.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Machiavelli cite as an example of generosity that ended badly?

2. What is the best type of mind Machiavelli says is needed for a strong prince?

3. What is the one thing a man cannot fight against according to Machiavelli?

4. Why does Machiavelli argue against a prince being overly generous?

5. What does Machiavelli say the King of Naples and the Duke of Milan had in common?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli say that war is the only art expected of a prince?

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

3. Explain Machiavelli's famous statement that is is better to be feared than loved.

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

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

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

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

8. Describe Machiavelli's position on fortresses.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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