View a FREE sample

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 does Machiavelli announce as the purpose of Book Two of "The Discourses" in the preface?
(a) How to secure power by expanding it.
(b) What Roman people did to aggrandize the Empire.
(c) How to secure freedom for an Empire by keeping the military active.
(d) How to use truth to persuade Citizens to support the power of the Prince.

2. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?
(a) They will always be ruined in grave incidents.
(b) The gathering of officials will paralyze the Republic in debate.
(c) A Republican government will always move in the benefit of everyone dependent on them.
(d) The trust leaders show in the people will inspire them to overcome the peril.

3. What does Machiavelli cite as Aristotle's three causes of ruin women bring on tyrants.
(a) Their seduction of tyrants, distracting their focus, and softening them with parental duties.
(b) The demands women make for wealth, food, and houses.
(c) The influence women have on men, children and families.
(d) Injury tyrants commit on women either by seduction, violence or corruption of marriages.

4. What are the two ways that Republics are altered that Machiavelli examines?
(a) With free press and elections.
(b) With bloodshed and without bloodshed.
(c) With war and money.
(d) With natural disaster and new religions.

5. How did Machiavelli report that the Nobles controlled the process of Plebes having the opportunity to choose Plebes for four Tribunes?
(a) They were in charge of counting the votes.
(b) They controlled the means of Plebes to provide for themselves.
(c) They began a war and had many Plebes sent to a foreign province.
(d) They offered choices between highly reputable Nobles and ignoble Plebes who asked to be considered for the positions.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli consider one of the most important reasons the Roman Empire was successful in expanding its borders?

2. According to Machiavelli, what prevented the ambitions of the Nobles from corrupting Rome?

3. If a cliché could be given to the preface to Book Two of "The Discourses", what would it be?

4. Why does Machiavelli consider the public a better judge than Princes for who should occupy public offices.

5. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 567 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample