View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Salus Populi, Suprema Lex, Further Reflections Based on the Samnite Wars, The Preservation of Freedom in a Republic.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli believe is the only consideration to be made when the defense of a country is at stake?
(a) That the life of the country is safe and its liberty is maintained.
(b) To live free or die.
(c) To hide inside the City or escape to the open field.
(d) To avoid combat or strike immediately.

2. According to Machiavelli, if men have prospered greatly by one procedure, what is not possible?
(a) To undo their honor.
(b) To persuade them they can do well with other procedures.
(c) To remove them from their position.
(d) To undo their success.

3. What does Machiavelli advise Princes in observing promises made under force?
(a) To observe them without reservation as they put themselves in the situation due to incompenence.
(b) To deceive the party who forces the promise until they can make alliances that will defeat him.
(c) That they are not to be observed when the force is removed.
(d) To observe them until which time they can fight for freedom.

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

5. What were the results for the two Roman Consuls in Machiavelli's illustration?
(a) Decius caught his enemy unaware, and Octavius was defeated by artillery.
(b) Claudius' enemy was fooled, and Brutus was discovered.
(c) Fabius destroyed the enemy's city, and Junius was defeated by too many infantrymen.
(d) Decius' soldiers became weary from the first shocks and fled, Fabius' soldiers saved their fury for the end when the enemy lost its energy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What opportunities come to Princes who take Machiavelli's advice in acting to take something from another Prince.

2. Why does Machiavelli consider the Roman Caesars to have been a benefit to the Roman Empire?

3. Why does Machiavelli claim that the rule of the Caesars was preferable to the regime of the Decemvirs?

4. What were the reasons that Machiavelli cited for the Roman Senate choosing to pay a public stipend to fighting men (soldiers)?

5. In what cases does Machiavelli endorse acting foolishly?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 590 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample