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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) 800 years.
(b) 350 years.
(c) Through the reign of Lycurgus.
(d) Until its domination by Rome.

2. What are the two means that Machiavelli identifies as how laws are developed in cities at the beginning of Section 2, Book One.
(a) Through dominion of the wealthy or through bartering agreements.
(b) Through Princes or through Republics.
(c) At one time by one man and by chance at several times according to events.
(d) By war and by peace.

3. What are reasons Machiavelli cited for a group of people leaving their native country to seek a new home?
(a) Overcrowding and social unrest.
(b) Pestilence, famine or war.
(c) Family strife and lack of work.
(d) Racial conflict and economic injustice.

4. What is Machiavelli's explanation for initiating his recommended approach with enemies against an empire?
(a) Because putting the leaders of enemies in positions of public responsibility will require them to make decisions that will be rejected by conspiracies.
(b) Because taking out the head of a movement will lead to the death of the body.
(c) Because the public humiliation of the enemy will expose supporters to the Citizens who will then act to neutralize the conspiracy.
(d) Because those who try to crush it, make its force greater, and make that evil which is suspected from it to be accelerated.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Machiavelli, how did the Agrarian Laws violate the foundation of well-ordered Republics?

2. What are two reasons Machiavelli gives for foreign forces building a city?

3. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?

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

5. What do fertile areas offer to those who settle there according to Machiavelli?

(see the answer key)

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