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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, Sundry Reflections on the Kings of Rome, The Introduction of New Forms of Government, Ingratitude.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?
(a) As a cynical commentary to the weakness of leaders of his time.
(b) With advice to two friends on how to keep their friends close and their enemies closer.
(c) As a letter to two political thinkers from Florence.
(d) As a warning to future generations of the tenuous nature of freedom.

2. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?
(a) Generals seek to become senators.
(b) The working poor seek to become plebes.
(c) The rich and powerful, rather than the virtuous, seek to become judges (magistrates).
(d) Weak and dependent people seek to become senators.

3. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?
(a) Historical records of military tactics.
(b) Historical records of Rome and France.
(c) Historical records of Hannibal and England.
(d) Historical records of Tullus and Metius.

4. 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 city and his chief advisers.
(d) His fortune and his reputation.

5. 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.
(a) He will, in short time, become so insolent as to put an end to all civil law.
(b) He will eventually become overwhelmed by his conscience and slip away into obscurity.
(c) He will find ways to subvert the Prince and take his power.
(d) He will become the most effective aide to the Prince and help expand his power over the citizens.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Machiavelli suggest is the advantage of settling in areas that were "sterile" (barren)?

2. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?

3. What are the two means that Machiavelli identifies as how laws are developed in cities at the beginning of Section 2, Book One.

4. What are three reasons that Machiavelli gives for cities becoming unhappy?

5. What did Machiavelli identify as the cause of conspiracy against a hereditary Princes?

(see the answer key)

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