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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 were the reasons that Machiavelli cited for the Roman Senate choosing to pay a public stipend to fighting men (soldiers)?
(a) To increase the number of soldiers in the army.
(b) To keep the citizens in poverty so they would support wars.
(c) Because without the stipend, wars could not be made for any length of time, neither could Rome besiege towns nor lead armies to a distance.
(d) To hide the increased taxes that were used to build houses for Nobles.

2. What does Machiavelli identify as the cause of using dishonorable words against an enemy?
(a) False hopes brought by victory.
(b) Corruption that leads to an enemy's defeat.
(c) Poor discipline in the army.
(d) Poor military tactics of the enemy.

3. What does Machiavelli consider to be the means of someone rising from the bottom to gain a great fortune?
(a) Force and fraud.
(b) Hard work and creativity.
(c) Deceit and self preservation.
(d) Diligence and humility.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli praise of the ancient Roman battlefield tactics?

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

3. 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"?

4. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?

5. How does Machiavelli recommend a Republic deal with enemies that spring up within an empire?

(see the answer key)

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