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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. According to Machiavelli, if men have prospered greatly by one procedure, what is not possible?

2. Who was esteemed as being wise for acting foolish from Livius' history of Rome?

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

4. What does Machiavelli believe to be important to extending the life of what he calls "mixed bodies" (Republics and Sects)?

5. What phrase could summarize what Livius' details as qualifications for an effective Captain.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Machiavelli recommend to avoid appointing anyone who has been offended to an important position in government?

4. What does Machiavelli recommend as the three methods of reuniting a City that has been divided?

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

6. Why would there be much bloodshed in the cases that a Republic moves violently from tyranny to freedom?

7. Why did "Captains of Fortune" favor cavalry over infantry?

8. What are two points that you can take from Book Three, Section 13 to suggest that Machiavelli believes that it is better for a Prince to have a strong army badly captained rather than a bad army strongly captained?

9. What does Machiavelli write of in Book Three, Section 14 when he reviews, "...new inventions and new voices...," and why does he recommend these to be used in the heat of battle?

10. What does Machiavelli advise those who seek to change a Republic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Discourses" were originally written as a letter to two Italian politicians at the time. Explain how that intended audience of this letter shaped the focus and tone of the text. What does Machiavelli's recommendations throughout the book say of the character of the intended audience? Give examples from the book to support your assumptions.

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

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.

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