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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. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?
(a) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions assures a smooth transition of power.
(b) Because the general masses are satisfied with appearances and are moved by things as they appear rather than by the way they operate (perception is reality).
(c) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to keep important advisers within the circle of government.
(d) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.

2. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?
(a) Historical records of Hannibal and England.
(b) Historical records of military tactics.
(c) Historical records of Rome and France.
(d) Historical records of Tullus and Metius.

3. What does Machiavelli believe inspired the expansion of the Roman Empire?
(a) Aggression and murder.
(b) Harsh Captains guiding the military.
(c) Virtue.
(d) Keeping Citizens in poverty.

4. What advice does Machiavelli offer in Book 1, Section 52 to those who want to pursue their ambitions?
(a) "Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make yhou believe that you too can become great."
(b) "Ambition is the last infirmity of Noble minds."
(c) "...(C)onsider the defects and perils which it [presents], and not to undertake it if it should be more dangerous than useful,...."
(d) "He who is blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher must herafter fall with greatest loss."

5. What does Machiavelli recommend to a City that is unable to defend itself, but wants to be protected from anyone who would attack it?
(a) To give itself freely to whomever would defend the city.
(b) Hire mercenaries.
(c) Train its citizens to form a strong army.
(d) Make alliances with powerful Cities.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli claim causes ingratitude from a conquered citizenry?

2. What are the three ways a Republic can expand that Machiavelli recognized?

3. Why does Machiavelli suggest that a Prince keep his conquered territories disunited from the City over which he has his power?

4. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?

5. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli believe that people who break away from the rule of a Prince have difficulty keeping their freedom?

2. What two methods did Machiavelli identify that Roman Nobility drew honor from the Plebes?

3. 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?

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

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

6. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example that can be committed in a Republic?

7. Why does Machiavelli consider a Citizen rising to take authority through irregular means (popular uprising) harmful in a Republic?

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

9. What does Machiavelli recommend to a Prince about reform of a city or a province that he has taken?

10. What does Machiavelli mean when he uses the term "virtu" for a Prince?

(see the answer keys)

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