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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Machiavelli in Section 1 of Book One, who are the two types of people who build cities?
(a) Men born in their location or foreigners.
(b) Farmers and merchants.
(c) Princes and generals.
(d) Craftsmen and politicians.

2. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?
(a) For leaders to avoid harsh punishments for law breakers.
(b) For leaders to choose weak captains.
(c) For leaders to neglect the ordering of an army.
(d) For leaders to make a law and refuse to observe it.

3. How did Roman soldiers provide for themselves before the Senate decided to pay them?
(a) They worked as aides to Senators.
(b) They worked as farmers.
(c) They received sponsorships from Nobles.
(d) They were required to provide for their own needs.

4. How does Machiavelli predict a citizen will conduct himself if he is not punished for his misdeeds because of his reputation for doing good deeds, according to Machiavelli.
(a) He will become the most effective aide to the Prince and help expand his power over the citizens.
(b) He will, in short time, become so insolent as to put an end to all civil law.
(c) He will find ways to subvert the Prince and take his power.
(d) He will eventually become overwhelmed by his conscience and slip away into obscurity.

5. What is another method that Machiavelli reports leaders use to offend their citizens?
(a) Refusing to provide sufficient education for the youth.
(b) Refusing to provide wealth to the general masses.
(c) Persisting in acts that are considered offensive to citizens.
(d) Persisting in harsh punishments for misdemeanors.

Short Answer Questions

1. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's idea of virtue from reading the review of the first three kings of Rome as he begins his discourse of weak Princes and excellent Princes?

2. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?

3. What did Machiavelli cite as the method that Rome used to maintain its freedom?

4. What were the reasons that Machiavelli cited for the Roman Senate choosing to pay a public stipend to fighting men (soldiers)?

5. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli recommend to leaders of a Republic to keep a shadow of the institutions that are being reformed?

2. To what is Machiavelli referring when he writes of men jumping, "...from one ambition to another?"

3. What does Machiavelli recommend to be done if one wants to establish a Republic where it does not exist?

4. Why does Machiavelli advise that a Prince "temporize" a perceived evil in his State?

5. What are the three types of state that Machiavelli detailed and by what name are they known today?

6. What does Machiavelli claim proves the Romans' love for liberty?

7. What are the reasons that Machiavelli gives for people who leave their home country for another out of necessity?

8. Why does Machiavelli disagree with Plutarch's claim that Rome acquired its Empire more by good Fortune than by Virtu?

9. From what did Niccolo Machiavelli make the present that he sent to Zanobi Buondelmonti and Cosimo Rucellai?

10. What kind of Prince does Machiavelli consider to be Excellent?

(see the answer keys)

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