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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. What does Machiavelli believe to the nature of men that causes them to either fight from ambition or from necessity?
(a) They fight so they can have the power to deliver liberty to themselves and the City.
(b) They are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything.
(c) Men that choose to fight always fight for personal benefit.
(d) Men that choose to fight always fight for the glory of the City.

2. What did Machiavelli cite as the method that Rome used to maintain its freedom?
(a) It made public displays of punishments for lawbreakers.
(b) It made frequent use of elections to allow the citizens to influence government.
(c) It continued to make new laws and new institutions to confront corruption.
(d) It continually sent soldiers to expand its empire.

3. What is the main point Machiavelli investigates as he prepares to discuss the affects of strong Princes and weak Princes?
(a) Whether a free state can exist without laws.
(b) Whether a free state can exist with virtuous Princes.
(c) Whether a free state (government) can exist in a city that is corrupted.
(d) How strict power eliminates corruption and maintains freedom.

4. What did Machiavelli identify as the cause of conspiracy against a hereditary Princes?
(a) The larger population of citizens became unhappy with the the political preferences of the Princes.
(b) The general population became dissatisfied with the distribution of wealth.
(c) Less powerful people desired the power of the Prince.
(d) They degenerated from their fathers, and surpassed others in sumptuousness and lasciviousness and in every other kind of delight.

5. What did Machiavelli suggest is the advantage of settling in areas that were "sterile" (barren)?
(a) The isolation from more fertile areas allow for greater freedom.
(b) The poverty of resources would require those living there to have less cause for discord.
(c) Barren areas stand at crossroads between fertile areas so they can control trade between prosperous cities.
(d) Residents of sterile areas become more creative and develop technologies that can be sold to more fertile areas.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are reasons Machiavelli cited for a group of people leaving their native country to seek a new home?

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

3. How does Machiavelli suggest that Princes and other leaders deal with acts that offend their citizens?

4. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?

5. To what does Machiavelli compare great kingdoms and republics from history?

(see the answer key)

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