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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, The Use and Abuse of Dictatorship, The Road to Ruin, Sundry Reflections Based on the Decemvirate.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How long did Sparta peacefully exist without changing its laws, according to Machiavelli?
(a) 350 years.
(b) Until its domination by Rome.
(c) 800 years.
(d) Through the reign of Lycurgus.

2. What should the reader consider as evil when Machiavelli is advising Princes to "recognize evils".
(a) Evil is those human inclinations that cause them to act selfishly.
(b) Evil is anything with which a Prince does not agree.
(c) Evil is those public reactions that oppose the Prince.
(d) Evil should be considered to be any influence which challenges the power of the Prince.

3. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?
(a) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to keep important advisers within the circle of government.
(b) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions assures a smooth transition of power.
(c) Because the general masses are satisfied with appearances and are moved by things as they appear rather than by the way they operate (perception is reality).
(d) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.

4. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?
(a) For leaders to neglect the ordering of an army.
(b) For leaders to make a law and refuse to observe it.
(c) For leaders to avoid harsh punishments for law breakers.
(d) For leaders to choose weak captains.

5. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?
(a) Tribunes who called the army from foreign provinces and decommissioned its Captains.
(b) A recent denial of appeal by Girolamo Savonarola to five citizens sentenced to death after Savonarola wrote the law allowing appeals.
(c) The lawlessness that overtook Carthage as its Princes suspended harsh sentences for crimes against the State.
(d) A series of Caesars who named friends to be Captains.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?

2. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?

3. What was the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Discourses"?

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

(see the answer key)

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