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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 main point Machiavelli investigates as he prepares to discuss the affects of strong Princes and weak Princes?
(a) Whether a free state can exist without laws.
(b) Whether a free state (government) can exist in a city that is corrupted.
(c) How strict power eliminates corruption and maintains freedom.
(d) Whether a free state can exist with virtuous Princes.

2. What kinds of men are frowned upon in corrupt Republics?
(a) Vocal men.
(b) Excellent men.
(c) Scribes.
(d) Common men.

3. If a cliché could be given to the preface to Book Two of "The Discourses", what would it be?
(a) "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
(b) "History is written by the winners."
(c) ."The only thing we learn from history is that we do not learn from history."
(d) "Go where you belong--on the ash heap of history."

4. What type of person does Machiavelli advise against promoting to important positions in a Republic?
(a) Anyone who has been done a notable injury by someone.
(b) Anyone who has avoided war.
(c) Anyone who is ambitious.
(d) Anyone who has killed a rival.

5. What does Machiavelli identify as the cause of using dishonorable words against an enemy?
(a) Corruption that leads to an enemy's defeat.
(b) Poor discipline in the army.
(c) Poor military tactics of the enemy.
(d) False hopes brought by victory.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Machiavelli, why did Livius believe the Roman Republic grew?

2. What were the reasons that Machiavelli cited for the Roman Senate choosing to pay a public stipend to fighting men (soldiers)?

3. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?

4. What is the reason Machiavelli claims Princes with weaker armies would rush into battle?

5. What does Machiavelli write will prevent a bad Citizen from working evil in a Republic?

(see the answer key)

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