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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 did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?
(a) As a cynical commentary to the weakness of leaders of his time.
(b) With advice to two friends on how to keep their friends close and their enemies closer.
(c) As a warning to future generations of the tenuous nature of freedom.
(d) As a letter to two political thinkers from Florence.

2. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?
(a) Knowing that the enemy of his enemy is his friend.
(b) Keeping friends close and enemies closer.
(c) In times of peace not neglecting the arrangements of war.
(d) Picking battles that are important enough to fight and small enough to win.

3. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?
(a) Princes who are preoccupied with seeking pleasure rather than power.
(b) Princes who are not cruel enough with punishment.
(c) An insufficiency of or inability to enforce laws that deal effectively with corruption.
(d) Rebellious citizens who defy ruling authorities.

4. What did Machiavelli report led gatherings of people to make laws?
(a) To avoid evils that people committed on others.
(b) To protect economic activity that benefited the city.
(c) So resources could be justly distributed.
(d) To set order to the defense of the city.

5. 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) Generals seek to become senators.
(d) The working poor seek to become plebes.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What did Machiavelli establish as the cycle of governing forms?

3. What is the branch of government that Machiavelli recognizes as that which most prevents or causes corruption to come over a city?

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

5. 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?

(see the answer key)

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