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

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

3. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?

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

5. How did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. In the title of Book 1, Section 8, what does Machiavelli mean with the phrase, "...so much so calumnies are pernicious...?"

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

10. How does Machiavelli explain that a City grows either through love or through force?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Machiavelli is critical of ambition in Book 1, Section 46. Do you agree with Machiavelli's criticisms? Why or why not? What is your view of ambition and how does individual freedom affect ambition?

Essay Topic 2

In Book 1, Sections 21-23 Machiavelli begins a repeated focus on the role of the military in maintaining a Free Republic by focusing on making sound decisions on the cost of a military to a Republic. Identify quotes from Machiavelli that detail Machiavelli's advice on the use of resources on the military, whether or not his advice is being followed today, and what you consider to be the consequences of the current decisions regarding the modern costs of the military.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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