Passage 11

According to the passage, what was a main influence on Machiavelli’s political philosophy?

• The power struggles within and among city-states
• The desire to express his anger for being imprisoned
• The rejection of ancient theories about politics
• The shock and disgust he felt toward political leaders

The word “illusions” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to

• conclusions
• false beliefs
• . limits
• good intentions

What is the subject of The Prince?

• The trial and imprisonment of Machiavelli
• The relationship between politics and religion
• The ways that a ruler gains and maintains power
• The history of the political leadership of Florence

The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to

• religion and ethics
• certain rules
• fellow men
• Renaissance despots

The word “pessimistic” in paragraph 3 is closet in meaning to

• negative
• cautious
• religious
• emotional

Machiavelli’s political philosophy included all of the following beliefs EXCEPT

• Politics is the power struggle among men who are all brutal and selfish.
• The ideal ruler understands and exploits the weaknesses of others.
• People must organize to fight against evil and corruption in politics.
• Politics should be studied and practiced separately from religion and ethics.

According to the author, how was Machiavelli been misunderstood?

• Some people think he was cowardly for retiring from public life.
• Some of his writings seem to support religion, while others
• Some of his principles of republican government have been misused.
• Some people interpret his writings as promoting evil in government.

The word “lucidity” in paragraph 3 is closet in meaning to

• distaste
• clarity
• respect
• concern

The word “monologues” in paragraph 4 is in meaning to

• speeches
• actions
• noises
• costumes

The Machiavel character in drama has all of the following characteristics EXCEPT

• dislike for goodness
• humorous commentary
• enjoyment of evil
• complex motivation