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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. 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) "History is written by the winners."
(c) "Go where you belong--on the ash heap of history."
(d) ."The only thing we learn from history is that we do not learn from history."

2. In the comparison between the tactics of Scipio and Hannibal, what does Machiavelli consider to be praiseworthy?
(a) Feigned foolishness.
(b) Surprise.
(c) Success.
(d) New uses of artillery.

3. According to Machiavelli, why did Livius believe the Roman Republic grew?
(a) Because of the money of its Nobles.
(b) Because of the virtue of its Captains.
(c) Because of the wisdom of its Magistrates.
(d) Because of the strength of its soldiers.

4. Why does Machiavelli consider it impossible to establish a perpetual Republic?
(a) Because a Republic will always have ambitious men.
(b) Because in a thousand unforeseen ways its ruin may be caused.
(c) Because all the ruling Nobles will have to be sent to colonies.
(d) Because a Republic must always send its best men to war.

5. What does Machiavelli claim will make a City great?
(a) Many administrators.
(b) Many inhabitants.
(c) Many industries.
(d) Many soldiers.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does "Crescit interea Roma Albae ruinis" mean?

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

3. What does Machiavelli announce as the purpose of Book Two of "The Discourses" in the preface?

4. What, according to Machiavelli, did Epaminondas the Theban claim was most necessary and useful for a Captain?

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

(see the answer key)

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