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. Who does Machiavelli cite as an example of generosity that ended badly?

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

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

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

5. What does Machiavelli say are the two main reasons for a prince to lose his dominion?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Machiavelli say is the first estimate of a prince as a ruler? Why?

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

5. Give examples of leaders who recognized the need for their own loyal troops.

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

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

8. What is Machiavelli's position on neutrality? Explain.

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

10. How can a prince gain a reputation for great accomplishments and generosity without bringing about his own ruin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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 an essay explaining how Machiavelli's writing might be different if he were writing today.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,054 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample