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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 give of a dominion that is a limb of a larger one?

2. What does Machiavelli suggest is the surest way to govern a conquered territory?

3. Before Pope Alexander VI, what prevented the Church from gaining even more power?

4. Who was responsible for weakening the power of Colonna and Orsini, the barons of Rome?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the factors that may make it easier for a new prince to rule.

2. At the time Machiavelli is writing, he recognizes only two types of existing government. Explain each.

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

4. How did Cesare Borgia hold onto power in Romagna?

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

6. Explain the customary way to seek the favor and audience of a prince.

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

8. How does Machiavelli distinguish between proper and improper use of cruelty?

9. Why should a new prince not set up a system of magistrates from among the people?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper on the influence of art during the Italian Renaissance.

Essay Topic 2

Write a story about how you imagine Prince Lorenzo de Medici reacted to THE PRINCE.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on why you would or would not have liked living during the Italian Renaissance.

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This section contains 943 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample