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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 prevented the ambitions of the Nobles from corrupting Rome?
(a) Social ostracism by the Senate.
(b) The power of the Tribunes and the Plebes.
(c) Wars drained their wealth.
(d) The expanded Empire required that they move to colonies to lead them.

2. What does Machiavelli identify as the easiest way to "...ruin a Republic where the People have authority...."
(a) For the Nobles to promote corrupted Citizens in elections.
(b) Cause them to distribute wealth.
(c) Involve them in a brave enterprise.
(d) For Nobles to cultivate rivalries between partisans among the People.

3. Why does Machiavelli suggest wars should be quick with limited damage to the conquered City?
(a) To reduce the cost to the conquering Prince and preserve the resources of the conquered city as booty for the conquering forces.
(b) So Citizens are not burdened by the demands of the war.
(c) So armies can be readied for the next war.
(d) So armies can be brought home to participate in a productive economy.

4. To what does Machiavelli compare great kingdoms and republics from history?
(a) To his ideal state that combined the most successful institutions from those civilizations.
(b) To great works of antique art that have been found and preserved.
(c) To the state of political instability in which was common to Machiavelli's day.
(d) To his projections of the future in which Machiavelli speculated on how power would be preserved.

5. What did Machiavelli suggest is the advantage of settling in areas that were "sterile" (barren)?
(a) The poverty of resources would require those living there to have less cause for discord.
(b) The isolation from more fertile areas allow for greater freedom.
(c) Residents of sterile areas become more creative and develop technologies that can be sold to more fertile areas.
(d) Barren areas stand at crossroads between fertile areas so they can control trade between prosperous cities.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Machiavelli report that the Nobles controlled the process of Plebes having the opportunity to choose Plebes for four Tribunes?

2. Of what is Machiavelli critical regarding the military tactics of his day?

3. What did Roman historian Livius call Necessity?

4. What does Machiavelli claim new sects (religions) do as they rise to prominence?

5. What does Machiavelli consider necessary to take control over a Republic to install a bad form of government over it?

(see the answer key)

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