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. 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) Means to win access to public office.
(d) Not to be harmed by citizens or magistrates.

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

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

4. According to Machiavelli, why did Livius believe the Roman Republic grew?
(a) Because of the virtue of its Captains.
(b) Because of the strength of its soldiers.
(c) Because of the money of its Nobles.
(d) Because of the wisdom of its Magistrates.

5. What are the two ways that Machiavelli claims that envy can be extinguished?
(a) Through conspiracy and corruption.
(b) Through life threatening disaster or through the death of rivals.
(c) Through war and crisis.
(d) Through friendship and common wealth.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?

2. What does Machiavelli recommend as the three ways to restore a divided city?

3. What does Machiavelli predict comes to those Republics that are changed violently.

4. In Book 1, Section 46, Machiavelli credits the ruin of Republics on citizens who jump from one ambition to another. What was the phrase that Sallust put in the mouth of Caesar that explains how such ambitions begin?

5. How do weak men handle changes in fortune, according to Machiavelli?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 540 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample