View a FREE sample

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. From what did Machiavelli develop the information that he wrote into "The Discourses"?
(a) From long experience and continuous study of worldly affairs.
(b) From research that he did in the many libraries throughout the former Roman Empire.
(c) From interviews with political thinkers of the day.
(d) From his world travels to study governments in other cultures.

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

3. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?
(a) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions assures a smooth transition of power.
(b) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.
(c) Because the general masses are satisfied with appearances and are moved by things as they appear rather than by the way they operate (perception is reality).
(d) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to keep important advisers within the circle of government.

4. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?
(a) Because doing so gives the Prince the opportunity to prove his harshness.
(b) Because doing so keeps the most famous citizens obedient to the Prince.
(c) Because doing so helps to find the most ardent supporters of the Prince.
(d) Because doing so helps the Republic remain free for a long time.

5. What does Machiavelli consider an important tool in maintaining the order of a Republic?
(a) Fear of harsh administrators.
(b) Wars that keep the citizenry focused on supporting the City.
(c) Proper administration of rewards and punishments.
(d) The ability to control the perceptions of citizens.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Machiavelli establish as the cycle of governing forms?

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

3. 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.

4. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?

5. What does Machiavelli claim causes ingratitude from a conquered citizenry?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 606 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample