Machiavelli and Renaissance Political Thought

According to Machiavelli, was it better for a leader to be feared or loved?

• Feared - because it is safer for them.

• Loved - because it lasts.

What was the title of Machiavelli's handbook for politicians?

• The Kingmaker

• The Dictator

• The Prince

• The Villain

What does the saying "the end justify the means" mean?

• Doing the right thing even when others around you are not.

• Bad things can be done if it leads to a good outcome.

• Make sure you finish what you start.

• Try not to take more than you need.

Which of the following quotes MOST CLEARLY reveals Machiavelli's pessimistic (negative) view of humanity?

• "It is necessary for a prince to understand how to use the methods of the beast and the man."

• "Fear preserved you by a fear of punishment that never fails."

• "In general men are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowards, covetous."

• "It is much safer to be feared than loved."

In what year did Machiavelli write The Prince?

• 1315

• 1513

• 1530

• 1615

What made politics so dangerous during the Renaissance in Italy?

• Many Italian politicians died violent deaths during this period.

• Duels were common between politicians.

• Jousting was a common sport of the ruling class.

• Italian rulers were often overthrown by their own people.

What city-state employed Machiavelli as an ambassador?

• Rome

• Genoa

• Venice

• Florence

What motivated Machiavelli to write The Prince?

• He wanted to gain favour with the new rulers in Florence and win back his job.

• He was hoping to gain fortune and fame from publishing it.

• He was asked to write it by the rulers of Florence.

• He was planning to take over the world, and his book was step 1.

In Machiavelli's opinion, which of these rulers was particularly effective?

• Giovanni de Medici of Italy

• Louis XIV of France

• Isabella of Castile

• Ferdinand of Spain

Why was Machiavelli forced into exile from Florence?

• He tried to overthrow the government and take over.

• A French invasion toppled the government in Florence that he worked for.

• His ideas were unpopular with the politicians of the time.

• He was a convicted criminal.