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 did Machiavelli identify as the cause of conspiracy against a hereditary Princes?
(a) They degenerated from their fathers, and surpassed others in sumptuousness and lasciviousness and in every other kind of delight.
(b) The general population became dissatisfied with the distribution of wealth.
(c) The larger population of citizens became unhappy with the the political preferences of the Princes.
(d) Less powerful people desired the power of the Prince.

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) At one time by one man and by chance at several times according to events.
(b) Through Princes or through Republics.
(c) By war and by peace.
(d) Through dominion of the wealthy or through bartering agreements.

3. What finally forced Phillip into battle with Fabius, according to Machiavelli?
(a) The Samnites fell victim to the Trojans.
(b) He was laid siege in his fort.
(c) The prolonged war worsened his condition and that of his subjects.
(d) He was chased to his home and had to put a call out to his soldiers.

4. What are the two causes that will bring a corrupted Republic to take the important step of extending its life?
(a) Revolution and overthrow.
(b) Intrinsic and extrinsic.
(c) Religion and industry.
(d) Wisdom and knowledge.

5. Based upon Machiavelli's details, for whose benefit were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes devoted?
(a) Magistrates who used public works as a means of keeping political support from the general masses.
(b) The benefit of Nobles and people in power.
(c) The benefit of the Kings who needed occupiers throughout the Empire.
(d) The Plebes who had very busy working lives.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. What does Machiavelli consider the most useful possession for the defense of a Republic?

3. What does Machiavelli praise of the ancient Roman battlefield tactics?

4. What does Machiavelli identify as tactics the Citizen seeking not to be harmed uses?

5. What did Machiavelli establish as the cycle of governing forms?

(see the answer key)

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