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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. What is Machiavelli's conclusion regarding how someone can establish a Republic where there is great equality?

2. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?

3. What does Machiavelli consider an important tool in maintaining the order of a Republic?

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

5. What is Machiavelli's explanation for initiating his recommended approach with enemies against an empire?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book 1, Section 50, Machiavelli details the activities of a city being halted by magistrates. Who were the magistrates? What activity was being stopped? How was the situation changed? How does Machiavelli's characterization further define his views on the purpose of government with regard to the purpose of its citizens?

Essay Topic 2

In Machiavelli's characterization of evil against the state and the benefits of the powers of the Roman Caesars, he provides a perspective that defines his view of government and freedom. What is that view? Does it match what you have been taught regarding both and does Machiavelli and what you have learned up to this point match your personal views on government and freedom? Define the similarities and the differences and use documented support from both the book and your educational experiences to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Would Machiavelli want to affect how customs are down in Cities and families today? For what reasons would he want do to do so? What modern tools or institutions would he use? Be detailed in your responses and use statements from "The Discourses" to support your position on Machiavelli's motivations.

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