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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 does Machiavelli suggest is wrong with concepts of an ideal princedom or republic.

2. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince need not always be honest?

3. Why does Machiavelli say that auxiliary forces are more dangerous than mercenaries?

4. Who can successfully gain the reputation for generosity but not ruin himself in the process?

5. What results when a ruler lacks resolution and his mind is easily changed.

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Machiavelli's famous statement that is is better to be feared than loved.

2. How does Machiavelli evaluate the three types of mind he says princes may have?

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

4. Why does Machiavelli say that war is the only art expected of a prince?

5. Discuss Machiavelli's discourse on flattery.

6. Explain how Machiavelli sees Utopian ideas of principalities and republics.

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

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

9. How does Machiavelli suggest a prince can be cruel and still be respected?

10. Detail how Machiavelli says Italian princes lose their dominions.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Write your opinion on the debate over whether or not religion has a place in state government. In preparation, review Chapter 11 on Ecclesiastical Princedoms.

(see the answer keys)

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