View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How will a prince often be judged by others?

3. What does Machiavelli say is the first requirement of a commander?

4. Why is a reputation for cruelty necessary for a prince?

5. What does Machiavelli tell the prince is more important than morality in government?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Machiavelli's advice regarding unasked for counsel?

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 say a prince should be like a fox and a lion?

5. Describe Machiavelli's position on fortresses.

6. Why does Machiavelli caution against disarming the people of a conquered principality?

7. How does Machiavelli tell the prince to avoid assassination attempts against him?

8. What warnings does Machiavelli give regarding the generosity of a prince.

9. Outline Machiavelli's position of honesty in a prince.

10. When there is peace outside the principality, what does Machiavelli caution against?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on your feelings about Machiavelli's trying to get in with the family that overthrew his government and put him out of a job.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay expressing your opinion on Machiavelli's statement that if a prince (or politician) establishes his authority, the means he uses will always be judged honorable. Use Cesare Borgia and Sadam Hussein as examples in your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,059 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample