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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, Sundry Reflections on the Kings of Rome, The Introduction of New Forms of Government, Ingratitude.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?
(a) Picking battles that are important enough to fight and small enough to win.
(b) In times of peace not neglecting the arrangements of war.
(c) Keeping friends close and enemies closer.
(d) Knowing that the enemy of his enemy is his friend.

2. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?
(a) That Machiavelli is focused on keeping cities free from outside influences rather than individual freedom.
(b) That Machiavelli considers freedom only suited to those who can earn it or buy it.
(c) That Machiavelli considered civil rights and individual liberties indispensable to the strength of a city.
(d) That Machiavelli uses the term freedom in reference to the actions of Princes only.

3. What did Machiavelli report led gatherings of people to make laws?
(a) To set order to the defense of the city.
(b) So resources could be justly distributed.
(c) To protect economic activity that benefited the city.
(d) To avoid evils that people committed on others.

4. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's idea of virtue from reading the review of the first three kings of Rome as he begins his discourse of weak Princes and excellent Princes?
(a) That he considers bureaucratic expertise to be an important virtue for Princes.
(b) That he believes being ferocious and warlike is an indispensible virtue for a Prince.
(c) The he considers moral integrity to be the primary virtue for Princes.
(d) That he considers the most weak Princes to practice ambivalence to virtue.

5. What was the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Discourses"?
(a) Machiavelli's interest in forms of government.
(b) Livy's account of the history of Rome written around 25 B.C.
(c) Machiavelli's desire to guide politicians to serve the public needs.
(d) Machiavelli's fascination for power.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?

2. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?

3. How long did Sparta peacefully exist without changing its laws, according to Machiavelli?

4. From what did Machiavelli develop the information that he wrote into "The Discourses"?

5. Why does Machiavelli claim these forms of government developed?

(see the answer key)

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