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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. Which prince does Machiavelli say must be generous?

2. What is Machiavelli's advice about people who do things that ultimately enrich the princedom?

3. What does Machiavelli say is the problem with remaining neutral between two warring sides?

4. In his discussion of the qualities of a good leader, how does Machiavelli depart from the accepted rules?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli maintain that it is not possible for a prince to embody only good qualities?

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

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

4. Explain how Machiavelli sees the weakness of using auxiliary forces as a military for a princedom.

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

6. Describe the two main reasons that a prince may be secure one day and lose his dominion the next.

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

8. What kind of reading does Machiavelli advise for the prince? Why?

9. Explain Machiavelli's views on rewards and punishments.

10. How does Machiavelli disagree with those who believe everything is controlled by God and Fortune.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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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