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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Based upon Machiavelli's details, for whose benefit were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes devoted?

2. How does Machiavelli suggest that Princes and other leaders deal with acts that offend their citizens?

3. How does Machiavelli expect a city can keep its freedom after a weak Prince follows an excellent Prince?

4. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What kind of Prince does Machiavelli consider to be weak?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Machiavelli claims that the Roman Caesars did good and not harm to the Roman Republic. Why did Machiavelli make his claim? Do you agree with his assessment? Use information from research on the authority of the Roman Caesars and other statements from history to support your views.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Machiavelli's favored tactic of forming military divisions for the purpose of absorbing an enemy's initial thrust to the tactic that is known as "Blitzkrieg". Using the American occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan as modern examples of how both are used, as well as the history of Rome and the regime that depended on "Blitzkrieg", give your views on which tactic is more successful.

Essay Topic 3

In Book 3, Sections 31 and 33, Machiavelli examines the type of individual character that contributes to strong Republics and military victory. What is your view on the Machiavelli's principles regarding consistent character through favorable times and bad? On what points do you agree with the character qualities he calls "virtu" and those which he criticizes? What character qualities would you add or replace with what he calls "virtu"? Why would you make such changes?

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