Quiz: The Prince

10 questions drawn at random. Score 80% for a silver medal.

1. What, according to chapter 9, does the people want, as opposed to the nobles? To be given land and offices To rule in the nobles’ place To have a hereditary king Only not to be oppressed
2. Which two beasts should a prince imitate, according to chapter 18? The horse and the lion The fox and the lion The wolf and the eagle The bear and the serpent
3. For what single mistake does Machiavelli blame Cesare Borgia? Executing Ramiro d’Orco, who had pacified the Romagna for him Breaking with the King of France, his chief ally in the Romagna Allowing the election of Julius II, a cardinal he had injured Trusting the Orsini leaders, whom he later trapped at Sinigalia
4. What does Machiavelli advise when two powerful neighbours go to war? Stay strictly neutral and offer to mediate Retreat behind fortresses Declare for one side, not stay neutral Help both sides secretly
5. What does Machiavelli offer Lorenzo de’ Medici as his gift? His knowledge of the deeds of great men, from experience and study of antiquity A plan for the defence of Florence’s walls, drawn up from his years in the chancery A horse and armour worthy of a prince, such as others bring to win his favour A Latin history of the Medici family, written in the manner of the ancient authors
6. To what does chapter 12 attribute the ruin of Italy? The division of Italy between Guelfs and Ghibellines The luxury of the Italian courts Relying for many years on mercenaries Heavy taxation of the cities
7. Whose habits of counsel does Machiavelli give as the bad example in chapter 23? Pope Julius II King Louis XII of France The Emperor Maximilian Ferdinand of Aragon, King of Spain
8. Why, according to chapter 25, did Julius II always succeed? His impetuous nature suited the times He relied on Swiss mercenaries He was advised in all things by Cesare Borgia He always waited until his plans were complete
9. Which commander does Machiavelli contrast with Hannibal as too lenient, so that his army mutinied? Scipio Alexander the Great Fabius Maximus Julius Caesar
10. What does Machiavelli call the only truly safe way to hold a conquered city used to freedom? To marry into its leading family To grant its citizens tax exemptions To ruin it (or else reside there) To give it a constitution like the conqueror’s own

0 of 10 answered