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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. Based upon Machiavelli's details, for whose benefit were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes devoted?
(a) Magistrates who used public works as a means of keeping political support from the general masses.
(b) The benefit of Nobles and people in power.
(c) The Plebes who had very busy working lives.
(d) The benefit of the Kings who needed occupiers throughout the Empire.

2. What were placed to the right and the left of every battle line of the Roman army?
(a) Tribunes.
(b) Plebs.
(c) The cavalry.
(d) Captains.

3. Why would corrupt Republics accept common deceptions?
(a) Because they hide the corruption of the political class.
(b) Because they keep anyone from knowing any truth.
(c) Because they are put forward by men who want favors more readily for themselves than for the public.
(d) Because they help to confuse Citizens to the corruption.

4. What, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?
(a) They cannot settle conflicts except with force because their weakness prevents them from resolving doubts over issues.
(b) They have no alternative but to join alliances with powerful Republics that will take control of them.
(c) They will eventually fade away and reemerge as a tyranny.
(d) They face invasion, destruction and anhilation.

5. What does Machiavelli announce as the purpose of Book Two of "The Discourses" in the preface?
(a) How to secure freedom for an Empire by keeping the military active.
(b) How to secure power by expanding it.
(c) What Roman people did to aggrandize the Empire.
(d) How to use truth to persuade Citizens to support the power of the Prince.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli identify as an important action for Nobles to take to control the ambitions of Citizens seeking position?

2. According to Machiavelli, how did the Agrarian Laws violate the foundation of well-ordered Republics?

3. What was an example from Roman history that Machiavelli used to suggest the Plebes possesses greater wisdom than Nobles?

4. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?

5. What did Machiavelli cite as the method that Rome used to maintain its freedom?

(see the answer key)

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