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

2. Why does Machiavelli claim these forms of government developed?
(a) To provide defense for people who gathered together.
(b) To prevent people with the ability to use force from destroying each other.
(c) So those with wealth could protect themselves from those who had none.
(d) So those with influence could hold it without violence.

3. What are three reasons that Machiavelli gives for cities becoming unhappy?
(a) When taxes drain Plebes of their wages, when resources are not allocated equitably, and when Princes seek to expand their influence with wars.
(b) When leaders drain resources to fight wars, when laws become tools for Princes to become more wealthy, when there is taxation without representation.
(c) When cities are compelled to reorganize laws by themselves, when the laws diverge from their established institutions, and when the laws lead cities from the right path.
(d) When cities face armed challenges from outside institutions, the courts do not act justly, and when leaders abuse their power.

4. According to Machiavelli, what caused the Roman Republic to form?
(a) Trade agreements between cities with resources and cities with technologies.
(b) Political rivalries between powerful generals.
(c) Economic agreements between fertile cities.
(d) Class warfare between the patricians and the plebes.

5. How does Machiavelli expect a city can keep its freedom after a weak Prince follows an excellent Prince?
(a) Only if the citizens ignore the weak Prince and organize themselves to retain virtue.
(b) Only if the city does not fall into war with a more virtuous city.
(c) Only if a Prince with the virtue of the excellent Prince follows the weak Prince.
(d) Only if administrators conspire to act with the virtue of the excellent Prince.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli consider an important tool in maintaining the order of a Republic?

2. According to Machiavelli in Section 1 of Book One, who are the two types of people who build cities?

3. From what did Machiavelli develop the information that he wrote into "The Discourses"?

4. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?

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

(see the answer key)

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