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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, The Army, Its Discipline and Component Parts, The Administration of Conquered Territory and Other Problems Which Admit of No Middle Course, Mistakes Often Made in Connection With War, Rome's Dealings With Neighboring.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was a rival Empire to Rome as Rome began its expansion?
(a) The Babylonians.
(b) The Spartans.
(c) The Egyptians.
(d) The Carthaginians.

2. Why does Machiavelli suggest that a Prince keep his conquered territories disunited from the City over which he has his power?
(a) So that the Prince alone can profit from the acquisition.
(b) So his City is not affected by immigration.
(c) So the conquered territories cannot unite with his existing Citizens to overthrow him.
(d) So the merchants can benefit from the trade between the City and the conquered territory.

3. How did Roman soldiers provide for themselves before the Senate decided to pay them?
(a) They were required to provide for their own needs.
(b) They worked as farmers.
(c) They received sponsorships from Nobles.
(d) They worked as aides to Senators.

4. What does Machiavelli announce as the purpose of Book Two of "The Discourses" in the preface?
(a) How to use truth to persuade Citizens to support the power of the Prince.
(b) How to secure power by expanding it.
(c) What Roman people did to aggrandize the Empire.
(d) How to secure freedom for an Empire by keeping the military active.

5. How does Machiavelli predict a citizen will conduct himself if he is not punished for his misdeeds because of his reputation for doing good deeds, according to Machiavelli.
(a) He will, in short time, become so insolent as to put an end to all civil law.
(b) He will become the most effective aide to the Prince and help expand his power over the citizens.
(c) He will find ways to subvert the Prince and take his power.
(d) He will eventually become overwhelmed by his conscience and slip away into obscurity.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?

2. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?

3. Who were the Decemvirs?

4. What is an obvious counterpoint to Machiavelli's assertion to the benefits of the power of the Caesars to the Roman Empire?

5. In Book 1, Section 46, Machiavelli credits the ruin of Republics on citizens who jump from one ambition to another. What was the phrase that Sallust put in the mouth of Caesar that explains how such ambitions begin?

(see the answer key)

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