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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. Machiavelli says some new princes may gain their new states either in exchange for money or as a favor. What other means does he point out for gaining a state?

2. What does Machiavelli suggest may make a hereditary ruler unpopular with his people?

3. What role does morality play in keeping a dominion safe according to Machiavelli?

4. To whom does Machiavelli compare himself in writing this book?

5. How does Machiavelli say that the successors of Alexander the Great were able to retain power after his untimely death?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Machiavelli explain a man of his common social standing being qualified to advise a prince?

2. How are Ecclesiastical dominions so easily maintained?

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

4. Explain why Machiavelli believes a newly conquered territory is harder to govern than a hereditary dominion.

5. What does Machiavelli mean when he says that dominions are obtained by either good Fortune or merit?

6. Discuss the Duke of Ferrara as a prince who regained his prominence after a period of time.

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

8. Briefly write down how Machiavelli describes Agathocles of Sicily.

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

10. Explain why Machiavelli does not speak about Republics in THE PRINCE.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on how education or the lack of it played a part in the politics of Machiavelli's time.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay describing the Italian Renaissance.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 996 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample