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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What example does Machiavelli cite as a wholly new princedom?

2. What combination of circumstances does Machiavelli identify in men like Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus?

3. What were the results of Sparta setting up oligarchies in Athens and Thebes after they conquered them?

4. How does Machiavelli think New Dominions were formed?

5. Aside from humble beginnings, what does Machiavelli say that Agathocles and Oliverotto have in common?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Machiavelli say that hereditary States are the easier ones to control?

2. Explain how Machiavelli says Cesare Borgia came to power.

3. Why is it easier to rule a princedom than it is to govern a state or republic?

4. Define the problems of a State that is ruled by a king and the nobility.

5. Tell how Machiavelli suggests it is easiest to control a conquered state.

6. Describe the weakness Machiavelli sees with using mercenaries as the primary military strength of the prince.

7. To what does Machiavelli ascribe his present circumstances as he writes the book?

8. Describe the conditions that made it possible for Moses, Romulus, Cyrus, and Theseus to be successful in uniting their people.

9. Explain how, according to Machiavelli, Alexander the Great was able to establish a government in Persia that lasted long after his untimely death.

10. What makes the instability of the Orsini and Cologna a constant struggle.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about why you think many people have not liked Machiavelli's book, THE PRINCE.

Essay Topic 2

Using the example of Cesare Borgia, write an essay entitled ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY.

Essay Topic 3

Critique Machiavelli's idea that a state or prince must have a strong, loyal military.

(see the answer keys)

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