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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 is the reason Machiavelli claims Princes with weaker armies would rush into battle?
(a) Because a long war would be harmful to all his subjects.
(b) Such Princes are deluded over their power.
(c) Because their judgment was hindered by the situation.
(d) Such Princes face no alternative.

2. What, according to Machiavelli, determines whether or not a Republic falls into tyranny.
(a) The reputation of its Citizens.
(b) The absence of its military.
(c) The weakness of its Princes.
(d) The corruption of its Nobles.

3. How does Machiavelli expect a city can keep its freedom after a weak Prince follows an excellent Prince?
(a) Only if the city does not fall into war with a more virtuous city.
(b) Only if administrators conspire to act with the virtue of the excellent Prince.
(c) Only if a Prince with the virtue of the excellent Prince follows the weak Prince.
(d) Only if the citizens ignore the weak Prince and organize themselves to retain virtue.

4. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?
(a) Princes who are not cruel enough with punishment.
(b) Princes who are preoccupied with seeking pleasure rather than power.
(c) Rebellious citizens who defy ruling authorities.
(d) An insufficiency of or inability to enforce laws that deal effectively with corruption.

5. 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 influence women have on men, children and families.
(c) The demands women make for wealth, food, and houses.
(d) Injury tyrants commit on women either by seduction, violence or corruption of marriages.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why does Machiavelli admire Fabius Maximus for avoiding battles?

3. How does Machiavelli predict a citizen will conduct himself if he is not punished for his misdeeds because of his reputation for doing good deeds, according to Machiavelli.

4. From what did Machiavelli develop the information that he wrote into "The Discourses"?

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

(see the answer key)

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