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

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

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

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

5. According to Machiavelli, how did the Agrarian Laws violate the foundation of well-ordered Republics?
(a) Agrarian laws allowed Nobles to take land from Plebes with the intent to increase the land's productivity.
(b) Agrarian laws distributed land from those who had more than the law allowed among plebes rather than among Nobles with which they could enrich themselves.
(c) Agrarian laws allowed land owners to use their land to help the poor become wealthy.
(d) Agrarian laws allowed the government to decide what was to be grown on land in spite of the expertise of the land owner.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli consider it impossible to establish a perpetual Republic?

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

4. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?

5. Why does Machiavelli suggest that a Prince keep his conquered territories disunited from the City over which he has his power?

(see the answer key)

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