Machiavelli Teacher Resources

Can a person use any means, even immoral ones, to achieve a goal if the goal is nobel? Are ethics and effectiveness separate? Introduce viewers to Niccolò Machiavelli's ideas about virtu, necessita, and fortuna with a short,...

Scholars analyze the concepts of success, ethics, and Machiavelli's philosophy with an enlightening video. The narrator explains the main theories of Machiavelli in an easy-to-understand method and makes use of visual aids to enhance...

Do the words politician and moral go together? Machiavelli argues that an effective politician does not always act moral. Learners take an in-depth look at his theories about leaders by watching a video about government. To keep your...

A 20-page curriculum guide for Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince includes five lessons and related worksheets. For background, class members research and create travel brochures for Florence, Italy, in 1500. Next, they analyze...

Students compare and contrast their concepts of leadership with Machiavelli's, as outlines in The Prince. In this literature lesson, students identify positions that call for leadership and brainstorm qualities necessary for such a...

In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 1-page excerpt from The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli and then respond to 12 short answer questions about the selection.

Is Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince a directive to autocrats to rule by any means necessary, or a warning about the ways free citizens can be dominated by rulers? A short video suggests that Machiavelli's famous work might have been...

Would Machiavelli consider Macbeth a successful ruler? Scholars ponder the intriguing question, demonstrating their knowledge of Shakespeare's Macbeth and Machiavelli's The Prince. They collaborate with peers to share their opinions,...

In this literature worksheet, students respond to 5 short answer and essay questions about The Prince. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.

For this online interactive reading comprehension worksheet, learners respond to 14 multiple choice questions about The Prince. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

Responding to a question on the Machiavellian principle of a ruler's need for power and ruthlessness, young historians are given writing tips and a framework for constructing a well-developed essay in 25 minutes. The given structure of...

According to Machiavelli, a good ruler does whatever it takes. Using the resource, scholars work in small groups to analyze quotes from The Prince and then participate in a whole-class discussion. To finish, pupils select a phrase and...

What's the difference between men and princes? Machiavelli discusses this distinction in chapter 18 of The Prince. Scholars first listen to a masterful reading of the chapter. Then, they write about how the author develops a central idea...

How do rhetorical devices advance an author's point of view? Scholars consider this question as they continue exploring Machiavelli's The Prince. They work in small groups, annotating the text for evidence of rhetoric before engaging in...

Is it better to be loved or feared? Using the resource, scholars explore Machiavelli's nonfiction text, The Prince, and examine the author's ideas about the role of leadership. Pupils also complete a Quick Write to analyze a central idea...

In this online interactive literature worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Machiavelli's The Prince. Students may check some of their answers online.

Students research a historic leader and analyze how a philosopher's writings influenced the ruler in an essay. In this philosophy of government lesson plan, students view a video and participate in a class discussion on how great...

Students study the Italian Renaissance, its impact, and origin. In this Italian Renaissance lesson, students study the Renaissance via the ancient civilizations and political geography of various countries. Students study the art prior...

Students explore the power of the Church in government. In this literature lesson, students read Sir Thomas More's Utopia and Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince. Students respond to questions regarding the works and discuss them.

In this online interactive world history worksheet, students answer 12 multiple choice questions regarding the history of the Spanish monarchy. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

If a goal is worthy are any means justified to achieve this goal? Yes, according to John Stuart Mill. Introduce viewers to Mill's concept of Utilitarianism with a short video that used an animated tale of a battle for a city to...

Learners create a list of historical and fictional figures to identify their villainous behaviors and qualities. In this Shakespeare lesson, students discuss historical and fictional villains and their common characteristics. Learners...

Students analyze passages by Niccolo Machiavelli and Francis Bacon as an analysis of Renaissance ideas in contemporary situations. In this Renaissance writings lesson, students read excerpts from Machiavelli's The Prince and multiple...