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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through 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.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli identify as the easiest way to "...ruin a Republic where the People have authority...."
(a) For the Nobles to promote corrupted Citizens in elections.
(b) For Nobles to cultivate rivalries between partisans among the People.
(c) Involve them in a brave enterprise.
(d) Cause them to distribute wealth.

2. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?
(a) "He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."
(b) "It is power that easily acquires a name, not a name power."
(c) "Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil."
(d) "Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just."

3. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?
(a) His reputation and family.
(b) His fortune and forces.
(c) His city and his chief advisers.
(d) His fortune and his reputation.

4. Reviewing earlier chapters of "The Discourses", why would Machiavelli consider long wars in foreign lands important?
(a) Because long wars give Nobles an opportunity for Nobles to encourage Plebes to perform glorious works for the Republic.
(b) Because long wars assures that poverty will be maintained for everyone in the Republic.
(c) Because Machiavelli considers fighting wars and building empires to be signs of virtuous leaders.
(d) Because Machiavelli suggested long wars helped to keep Republics united.

5. What advice does Machiavelli offer in Book 1, Section 52 to those who want to pursue their ambitions?
(a) "Ambition is the last infirmity of Noble minds."
(b) "He who is blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher must herafter fall with greatest loss."
(c) "...(C)onsider the defects and perils which it [presents], and not to undertake it if it should be more dangerous than useful,...."
(d) "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."

Short Answer Questions

1. What, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?

2. What kinds of men are frowned upon in corrupt Republics?

3. What does Machiavelli identify as the cause of using dishonorable words against an enemy?

4. What does Machiavelli consider one of the most important reasons the Roman Empire was successful in expanding its borders?

5. If a cliché could be given to the preface to Book Two of "The Discourses", what would it be?

(see the answer key)

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