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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 can be inferred of Machiavelli's idea of virtue from reading the review of the first three kings of Rome as he begins his discourse of weak Princes and excellent Princes?
(a) The he considers moral integrity to be the primary virtue for Princes.
(b) That he believes being ferocious and warlike is an indispensible virtue for a Prince.
(c) That he considers bureaucratic expertise to be an important virtue for Princes.
(d) That he considers the most weak Princes to practice ambivalence to virtue.

2. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?
(a) His city and his chief advisers.
(b) His fortune and forces.
(c) His reputation and family.
(d) His fortune and his reputation.

3. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?
(a) Because doing so helps the Republic remain free for a long time.
(b) Because doing so gives the Prince the opportunity to prove his harshness.
(c) Because doing so keeps the most famous citizens obedient to the Prince.
(d) Because doing so helps to find the most ardent supporters of the Prince.

4. Why does Machiavelli claim that the rule of the Caesars was preferable to the regime of the Decemvirs?
(a) Because, according to Machiavelli, the Decemvirs did not pursue expansion of the Empire.
(b) Because Machiavelli believed that the Decemvirs were too lax on punishments for violators of the law.
(c) Because the Caesars ended Rome's state of continual war.
(d) Because under the Caesar, there remained the Tribunes, Consuls, and the Senate, to whom the Caesar remained responsible.

5. 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 with virtuous Princes.
(b) Whether a free state (government) can exist in a city that is corrupted.
(c) Whether a free state can exist without laws.
(d) How strict power eliminates corruption and maintains freedom.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Machiavelli's explanation for initiating his recommended approach with enemies against an empire?

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

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

4. What did Machiavelli report led gatherings of people to make laws?

5. What did Machiavelli identify as the cause of conspiracy against a hereditary Princes?

(see the answer key)

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