View a FREE sample

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. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?
(a) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.
(b) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to keep important advisers within the circle of government.
(c) Because the general masses are satisfied with appearances and are moved by things as they appear rather than by the way they operate (perception is reality).
(d) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions assures a smooth transition of power.

2. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?
(a) Historical records of Hannibal and England.
(b) Historical records of military tactics.
(c) Historical records of Rome and France.
(d) Historical records of Tullus and Metius.

3. According to Machiavelli, how did the Nobles of Rome attempt to correct the limit on the wealth that was placed on them by Agrarian Laws?
(a) Rome would send out armies to colonize lands that were then distributed to Nobles.
(b) The Nobles took political control over the Senate and changed the laws to allow Nobles to control all the land of the Empire.
(c) They raised taxes on Plebes who used the land awarded to them by the Agrarian Laws.
(d) They reduced taxes on themselves and used their increased wealth to buy back their land.

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

5. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?
(a) "Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil."
(b) "Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just."
(c) "It is power that easily acquires a name, not a name power."
(d) "He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli claim that the rule of the Caesars was preferable to the regime of the Decemvirs?

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

3. How long did Sparta peacefully exist without changing its laws, according to Machiavelli?

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

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

(see the answer key)

This section contains 643 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample