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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. If a cliché could be given to the preface to Book Two of "The Discourses", what would it be?
(a) "Go where you belong--on the ash heap of history."
(b) "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
(c) ."The only thing we learn from history is that we do not learn from history."
(d) "History is written by the winners."

2. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?
(a) Weak and dependent people seek to become senators.
(b) The rich and powerful, rather than the virtuous, seek to become judges (magistrates).
(c) The working poor seek to become plebes.
(d) Generals seek to become senators.

3. Why does Machiavelli suggest wars should be quick with limited damage to the conquered City?
(a) So Citizens are not burdened by the demands of the war.
(b) So armies can be readied for the next war.
(c) So armies can be brought home to participate in a productive economy.
(d) To reduce the cost to the conquering Prince and preserve the resources of the conquered city as booty for the conquering forces.

4. What advice does Machiavelli offer in Book 1, Section 52 to those who want to pursue their ambitions?
(a) "He who is blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher must herafter fall with greatest loss."
(b) "Ambition is the last infirmity of Noble minds."
(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."

5. Who does Machiavelli consider to have an advantage in battle?
(a) The Cavalry.
(b) The largest army.
(c) The attacker.
(d) The Artillery.

Short Answer Questions

1. What were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes that Machiavelli reported were taken by Roman Nobility in Book 1, Section 52?

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

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

4. What is Machiavelli's conclusion regarding how someone can establish a Republic where there is great equality?

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

(see the answer key)

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