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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. 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?
(a) The he considers moral integrity to be the primary virtue for Princes.
(b) That he considers the most weak Princes to practice ambivalence to virtue.
(c) That he considers bureaucratic expertise to be an important virtue for Princes.
(d) That he believes being ferocious and warlike is an indispensible virtue for a Prince.

2. In Book 1, Section 46, Machiavelli credits the ruin of Republics on citizens who jump from one ambition to another. What was the phrase that Sallust put in the mouth of Caesar that explains how such ambitions begin?
(a) "All evil examples have their origins in good beginnings."
(b) "I see the better things, and approve; I follow the worse."
(c) "Beware the Ides of March."
(d) "Vini. Vidi. Vici."

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

4. What is a Prince as Machiavelli uses the term?
(a) A hereditary noble.
(b) An underling to the ruling authority.
(c) A monarch over a sovereign system of government and territory.
(d) A dispatched bureaucrat that carries out orders over a territory.

5. What does Machiavelli believe will come of agreements made by force?
(a) They will lead to the overthrow of he who has the power to enforce them.
(b) They aid to enhance the power of the Prince.
(c) The will lead to the capture of those who are under the power.
(d) They will not last.

Short Answer Questions

1. Of what should Princes be most ashamed in Machiavelli's view?

2. What does Machiavelli suggest as the intention to make war?

3. Through what means does Machiavelli suggest that a City can achieve what he considers greatness?

4. What is the main point Machiavelli investigates as he prepares to discuss the affects of strong Princes and weak Princes?

5. According to Machiavelli, how did the Nobles of Rome attempt to correct the limit on the wealth that was placed on them by Agrarian Laws?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli challenge Cities to punish citizens with respected reputations when they commit wrong acts?

2. What are the two reasons that Machiavelli gives for his opinion that the courts (Faculty of Accusing) are the most necessary and useful authority to guard liberty in a City?

3. What examples from history does Machiavelli claim offers guidance to leaders?

4. Why did Machiavelli consider the naming of a Caesar (dictator) over Rome was beneficial to the Empire?

5. What does Machiavelli mean when he advises that evil in a State be "temporized"?

6. What does Machiavelli claim to be the practice of writers of history who, "...so obey the fortune of the winners...?"

7. Why were the Plebe candidates not suited for the open positions of the Tribunes?

8. Why does Machiavelli report that the Roman Senate decided to pay a public stipend to the soldiers in the army?

9. Why did Machiavelli praise the Plebes for refusing to choose their peers for Tribunes for which the Nobility allowed Plebes candidacy?

10. What acts by governing officials does Machiavelli consider "pernicious" or damaging to the authority of the government?

(see the answer keys)

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