The Discourses Test | Mid-Book Test - Hard

This set of Lesson Plans consists of approximately 201 pages of tests, essay questions, lessons, and other teaching materials.

The Discourses Test | Mid-Book Test - Hard

This set of Lesson Plans consists of approximately 201 pages of tests, essay questions, lessons, and other teaching materials.
Buy The Discourses Lesson Plans
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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, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?

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

3. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?

4. When Machiavelli writes, "For sometimes of necessity our judgment is the truth, as human affairs are always in motion, either ascending or descending," what is he writing about what he believes about truth?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Machiavelli disagree with Plutarch's claim that Rome acquired its Empire more by good Fortune than by Virtu?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the beginning of Book 2, Machiavelli begins investigating what he considers to be virtuous touches on "virtu" throughout the rest of "The Discourses". Find two characterizations of what Machiavelli considers "virtu" with which you agree and two with which you do not. Explain your positions in each case and give examples of how your choices have been proven through history.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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