The Discourses Quiz

Take our free The Discourses quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

If a cliché could be given to the preface to Book Two of "The Discourses", what would it be? (from Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, Preface, Methods of Expansion, Colonization and War: Its Causes and Cost, Diplomacy and War)

"History is written by the winners."

"Go where you belong--on the ash heap of history."

."The only thing we learn from history is that we do not learn from history."

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

What are the two ways that Machiavelli claims that envy can be extinguished? (from Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Internal Security, Equanimity, Insurrection, Confidence, Electioneering, and the Tendering of Advice, Advice to Generals in the Field)

Through war and crisis.

Through friendship and common wealth.

Through life threatening disaster or through the death of rivals.

Through conspiracy and corruption.

Of what is Machiavelli critical regarding the military tactics of his day? (from 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)

They rely on Artillery too much.

That they do not employ the tactics of ancient Rome.

They do not employ Cavalry to its fullest potential.

They avoid frontal assault.

What advice does Machiavelli offer in Book 1, Section 52 to those who want to pursue their ambitions? (from Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, The Popular Demand for a Share in Government, The Management of the Populace, The Advantages of Popular Government)

"...(C)onsider the defects and perils which it [presents], and not to undertake it if it should be more dangerous than useful,...."

"Ambition is the last infirmity of Noble minds."

"Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make yhou believe that you too can become great."

"He who is blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher must herafter fall with greatest loss."

What does Machiavelli advise Princes in observing promises made under force? (from 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)

To observe them until which time they can fight for freedom.

To observe them without reservation as they put themselves in the situation due to incompenence.

To deceive the party who forces the promise until they can make alliances that will defeat him.

That they are not to be observed when the force is removed.