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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. According to Machiavelli, what is the first thing that Citizens seek when starting on the path of chasing their ambitions?
(a) The support of a wealthy Noble.
(b) A cause that will incite the passions of the general masses.
(c) Not to be harmed by citizens or magistrates.
(d) Means to win access to public office.

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

3. What are the two things that Machiavelli cites as the causes of the dissolution of the Roman Republic?
(a) Contentions that arose from the Agrarian law and the prolongation of military commands.
(b) Defiance of laws by Nobles and corruption of Plebs.
(c) Inflation of the currency and bureaucracy.
(d) Sloth and leisure.

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

5. What does Machiavelli identify as tactics the Citizen seeking not to be harmed uses?
(a) Friendships with Citizens who are bold enough to fight.
(b) Obscurity.
(c) The financial ability to buy protection.
(d) Acquiring friendships either through honest means or by supplying money to protect themselves from the powerful (bribes).

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. How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil?

3. What was the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Discourses"?

4. What does Machiavelli claim causes men to conspire against their target?

5. How did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?

(see the answer key)

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