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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 believe to the nature of men that causes them to either fight from ambition or from necessity?
(a) They fight so they can have the power to deliver liberty to themselves and the City.
(b) Men that choose to fight always fight for personal benefit.
(c) Men that choose to fight always fight for the glory of the City.
(d) They are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything.

2. If a cliché could be given to the preface to Book Two of "The Discourses", what would it be?
(a) "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
(b) "Go where you belong--on the ash heap of history."
(c) ."The only thing we learn from history is that we do not learn from history."
(d) "History is written by the winners."

3. Why does Machiavelli suggest wars should be quick with limited damage to the conquered City?
(a) To reduce the cost to the conquering Prince and preserve the resources of the conquered city as booty for the conquering forces.
(b) So armies can be brought home to participate in a productive economy.
(c) So Citizens are not burdened by the demands of the war.
(d) So armies can be readied for the next war.

4. What does "Crescit interea Roma Albae ruinis" mean?
(a) Rome and Alba ruined Crete's industry.
(b) Creative Romans will bring ruins to Alba.
(c) The Roman interrogations ruined Albanian Fertile Crescent.
(d) Rome grew on the ruins of Alba .

5. 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 not as important as the people you make relationships with.
(b) Truth is irrelevant to the reason for making judgments.
(c) You can't make sound judgments without having a firm grasp on the truth.
(d) Machiavelli considers truth to be relative.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the reason Machiavelli claims Princes with weaker armies would rush into battle?

2. Why does Machiavelli believe the Roman Republic grew?

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

4. According to Machiavelli, how did the Nobles of Rome attempt to correct the limit on the wealth that was placed on them by Agrarian Laws?

5. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?

(see the answer key)

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