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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. According to Machiavelli in Section 1 of Book One, who are the two types of people who build cities?
(a) Men born in their location or foreigners.
(b) Princes and generals.
(c) Farmers and merchants.
(d) Craftsmen and politicians.

2. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?
(a) That Machiavelli considered civil rights and individual liberties indispensable to the strength of a city.
(b) That Machiavelli is focused on keeping cities free from outside influences rather than individual freedom.
(c) That Machiavelli uses the term freedom in reference to the actions of Princes only.
(d) That Machiavelli considers freedom only suited to those who can earn it or buy it.

3. What did Machiavelli suggest is the advantage of settling in areas that were "sterile" (barren)?
(a) The poverty of resources would require those living there to have less cause for discord.
(b) The isolation from more fertile areas allow for greater freedom.
(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.

4. 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) That he considers bureaucratic expertise to be an important virtue for Princes.
(b) That he believes being ferocious and warlike is an indispensible virtue for a Prince.
(c) The he considers moral integrity to be the primary virtue for Princes.
(d) That he considers the most weak Princes to practice ambivalence to virtue.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is an obvious counterpoint to Machiavelli's assertion to the benefits of the power of the Caesars to the Roman Empire?

2. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?

3. What is the main point Machiavelli investigates as he prepares to discuss the affects of strong Princes and weak Princes?

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

5. What does Machiavelli claim causes ingratitude from a conquered citizenry?

(see the answer key)

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