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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 admire Fabius Maximus for avoiding battles?
(a) Because he did not have a sufficient number of soldiers.
(b) Because it gave the Senate time to negotiate a treaty.
(c) Because he waited until the time for battle was in his favor.
(d) Because his soldiers were unqualified for battle.

2. For what reason does Machiavelli advise people in power to, "...lay aside personal hatred?"
(a) To prepare for war.
(b) To build good families.
(c) To serve the freedom of the Self.
(d) For the good of the country.

3. What does Machiavelli believe to be important to extending the life of what he calls "mixed bodies" (Republics and Sects)?
(a) Staying in a continual state of war.
(b) Keeping turmoil alive between common masses.
(c) Returning to their original principles.
(d) Providing the means from the state to keep them secure.

4. What does Machiavelli consider to be necessary when restoring a Republic from a Tyranny?
(a) Memorable executions against the enemies of the Republic.
(b) Public works projects that help provide citizens with provisions.
(c) Colonies.
(d) Free, fair elections.

5. Why does Machiavelli claim that Princes should not complain of faults of People under their authority?
(a) Because doing so will blind the Prince to conspiracy.
(b) Because the People will become indignant of the criticism.
(c) Because the insults will encourage conspiracy.
(d) Because such faults result either from their negligence or because they are stained by similar faults.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the difference between the tactics of the two Roman Consuls Machiavelli used as an example?

2. What institution does Machiavelli cite in Chapter 46 as being responsible for producing men that are either "harsh or effeminate."

3. How does the institution that makes men "harsh or effeminate" influence them, according to Machiavelli?

4. Who does Machiavelli consider to have an advantage in battle?

5. What does Machiavelli claim causes disunity in a Republic?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of methods that Machiavelli identifies that Citizens use to earn private honors?

2. What is the advice that Machiavelli gives to Princes who take possessions from another Prince?

3. Why does Machiavelli devote his longest section of "The Discourses" to discussing conspiracy?

4. What does Machiavelli recommend to Captains as an element of strategy to assure success in capturing a town?

5. What are two remedies that Machiavelli recommends in Book Three, section16 to prevent a City from becoming corrupted by periods of peace and wealth?

6. Why does Machiavelli consider impetuosity and audacity to often be successful for a Prince to take a province that belongs to another Prince?

7. Why does Machiavelli recommend that any organization maintain itself by frequently renewing its founding principals?

8. What does Machiavelli believe is the consequence of insulting anyone with words?

9. What were the two evils that Machiavelli claims came to Rome as its Empire grew in geographical size?

10. Why does Machiavelli in Section 28 recommend that Citizens be allowed to obtain honors through public means, but prevented from seeking honors through private means?

(see the answer keys)

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