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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 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 city and his chief advisers.
(c) His fortune and forces.
(d) His fortune and his reputation.

2. Who were the Decemvirs?
(a) Ten citizens created by the Roman people to make the laws in Rome.
(b) Officials who took their power in the last month of the year.
(c) Courtiers who gathered around the Caesars to protect them during times of festivals.
(d) The 12 Nobles who the Caesars appointed to help him manage the Empire.

3. What does Machiavelli claim causes ingratitude from a conquered citizenry?
(a) Taking conquered citizens into slavery.
(b) Treating conquered citizens harshly.
(c) Taking the property of conquered citizens.
(d) When the conquerors remove freedoms that the citizens knew before being conquered.

4. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?
(a) Rebellious citizens who defy ruling authorities.
(b) Princes who are not cruel enough with punishment.
(c) An insufficiency of or inability to enforce laws that deal effectively with corruption.
(d) Princes who are preoccupied with seeking pleasure rather than power.

5. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?
(a) They will always be ruined in grave incidents.
(b) The gathering of officials will paralyze the Republic in debate.
(c) The trust leaders show in the people will inspire them to overcome the peril.
(d) A Republican government will always move in the benefit of everyone dependent on them.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli claim that the rule of the Caesars was preferable to the regime of the Decemvirs?

2. What were the reasons that Machiavelli cited for the Roman Senate choosing to pay a public stipend to fighting men (soldiers)?

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

4. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?

5. How does Machiavelli predict a citizen will conduct himself if he is not punished for his misdeeds because of his reputation for doing good deeds, according to Machiavelli.

(see the answer key)

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