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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 are the two types of government identified by Machiavelli?

2. What is Machiavelli's example of rule by a sole prince?

3. Machiavelli says that tensions between the nobles and commoners may result in a principality, a republic, or what other condition?

4. What example does Machiavelli give of a prince who regained power after the opposition of the Venetians and Pope Julius?

5. How does Machiavelli say Agathocles became Prince of Syracuse?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. If a hereditary prince loses his dominion in war, will he be able to regain his former position? Explain.

5. What are the two types of princedoms as identified by Machiavelli?

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

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

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

9. What is the difference between a principality established by the nobles and one set up by the commoners?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing the Italian Renaissance.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Machiavelli favored the death penalty. Write an essay expressing your opinion on that subject.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 842 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample