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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Sundry Remarks on Strategy, Tactics, New Devices and Discipline, Administrative Posts, Administrative Methods: The Rival Claims of Severity and Good Fellowship.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?
(a) For leaders to make a law and refuse to observe it.
(b) For leaders to avoid harsh punishments for law breakers.
(c) For leaders to neglect the ordering of an army.
(d) For leaders to choose weak captains.

2. What did Roman historian Livius call Necessity?
(a) THE MOTHER OF INVENTION.
(b) THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF FREEDOM.
(c) NECESSITY IS BUT AN INTERPRETATION.
(d) THE LAST AND BEST WEAPON.

3. When Machiavelli writes, "For sometimes of necessity our judgment is the truth, as human affairs are always in motion, either ascending or descending," what is he writing about what he believes about truth?
(a) Truth is irrelevant to the reason for making judgments.
(b) Machiavelli considers truth to be relative.
(c) You can't make sound judgments without having a firm grasp on the truth.
(d) Truth is not as important as the people you make relationships with.

4. What does Machiavelli believe comes to a good army without a good Captain?
(a) It regroups and promotes its most virtuous member.
(b) It sells itself to the highest bidder.
(c) It becomes insolent and dangerous.
(d) It breaks apart and goes home.

5. How does Machiavelli suggest that Princes and other leaders deal with acts that offend their citizens?
(a) Make the offense quickly then act to reassure them and give them cause to quiet and firm their spirits.
(b) Increase taxes on the wealthy and use the money in ways that benefit the general masses.
(c) Distract the Citizens by making war against a nearby province.
(d) Increase their power and penalties for crimes and scare the Citizens into submission and acceptance.

Short Answer Questions

1. What, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?

2. What, according to Machiavelli, did Epaminondas the Theban claim was most necessary and useful for a Captain?

3. What does Machiavelli claim new sects (religions) do as they rise to prominence?

4. In the comparison between the tactics of Scipio and Hannibal, what does Machiavelli consider to be praiseworthy?

5. What does Machiavelli examine in Chapter 1 of Book 2?

(see the answer key)

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