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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 establish as the relationship between gold and good soldiers?
(a) Gold attracts good soldiers.
(b) The promise of gold will make soldiers weaker.
(c) Gold will cause good soldiers to go bad.
(d) Gold is not sufficient to find good soldiers, but good soldiers are indeed sufficient to find gold.

2. 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."

3. How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil?
(a) "Beauty is power; a smile is its sword."
(b) "...(W)ith as much grace and as honorably as he can, attiring himself with the insignia of his rank which he holds in order to make himself more revered."
(c) "The man of power should present himself with cold ruthlessness and avoid any show of sentimentality."
(d) "Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness."

4. Considering Machiavelli's praise for the example of how Nobles manipulated the opportunity for Plebes to select their peers for positions of influence, who is the clear intended audience of "The Discourses"?
(a) Those who are concerned with how the Republic is being manipulated by people with power.
(b) Future candidates for election who need to know how to win.
(c) Nobles seeking methods to keep their power.
(d) Plebes who need to know the tactics of Nobles to control them.

5. What is Machiavelli's preferred military department?
(a) The Cavalry.
(b) The Artillery.
(c) The infantry (foot soldier).
(d) The Navy

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What did Livius' history of Rome identify as the three divisions of the Roman army?

3. What does Machiavelli identify as the three divisions of armies of his day?

4. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?

5. What does Machiavelli consider to be the means of someone rising from the bottom to gain a great fortune?

(see the answer key)

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