Which statement characterizes Machiavelli's ethical standards?

• A. The ends are valued more than the means.
• B. Mass communication benefits all sources equally.
• C. Sources and receivers communicate for their own benefit.
• D. Sources and receivers adhere to universal laws.

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is Machiavelli’s view that political ethics are judged by results, not by universal moral rules. He argues that a ruler must be pragmatic and capable of using any means—deception, coercion, even cruelty—if those actions secure the state’s power and stability. In his view, the value of an action lies in its outcome for ruling effectively, not in whether it aligns with traditional morality. This is why the statement about valuing the ends over the means best reflects his approach: what matters is whether the end is achieved, even if the methods are questionable.

The other options don’t fit because they pull in ideas from modern communication ethics or universal law, which Machiavelli does not prioritize. The notion that mass communication benefits all sources equally, or that sources and receivers act solely for their own benefit in a way that mirrors modern theory, or that actions must conform to universal laws, all diverge from his emphasis on practical success and state stability as the ultimate measure of action.