This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Internal Security, Equanimity, Insurrection, Confidence, Electioneering, and the Tendering of Advice, Advice to Generals in the Field.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What advice does Machiavelli offer in Book 1, Section 52 to those who want to pursue their ambitions?
(a) "Ambition is the last infirmity of Noble minds."
(b) "He who is blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher must herafter fall with greatest loss."
(c) "...(C)onsider the defects and perils which it [presents], and not to undertake it if it should be more dangerous than useful,...."
(d) "Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make yhou believe that you too can become great."

2. 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 keep important advisers within the circle of government.
(b) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions assures a smooth transition of power.
(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 helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.

3. What does Machiavelli believe will come of agreements made by force?
(a) They aid to enhance the power of the Prince.
(b) They will not last.
(c) They will lead to the overthrow of he who has the power to enforce them.
(d) The will lead to the capture of those who are under the power.

4. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?
(a) The lawlessness that overtook Carthage as its Princes suspended harsh sentences for crimes against the State.
(b) A recent denial of appeal by Girolamo Savonarola to five citizens sentenced to death after Savonarola wrote the law allowing appeals.
(c) A series of Caesars who named friends to be Captains.
(d) Tribunes who called the army from foreign provinces and decommissioned its Captains.

5. What does Machiavelli believe comes to a good army without a good Captain?
(a) It regroups and promotes its most virtuous member.
(b) It becomes insolent and dangerous.
(c) It sells itself to the highest bidder.
(d) It breaks apart and goes home.