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 does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?
(a) Picking battles that are important enough to fight and small enough to win.
(b) Keeping friends close and enemies closer.
(c) In times of peace not neglecting the arrangements of war.
(d) Knowing that the enemy of his enemy is his friend.

2. What are the two means that Machiavelli identifies as how laws are developed in cities at the beginning of Section 2, Book One.
(a) Through Princes or through Republics.
(b) At one time by one man and by chance at several times according to events.
(c) Through dominion of the wealthy or through bartering agreements.
(d) By war and by peace.

3. What did Machiavelli cite as the method that Rome used to maintain its freedom?
(a) It made frequent use of elections to allow the citizens to influence government.
(b) It made public displays of punishments for lawbreakers.
(c) It continued to make new laws and new institutions to confront corruption.
(d) It continually sent soldiers to expand its empire.

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

5. What is the branch of government that Machiavelli recognizes as that which most prevents or causes corruption to come over a city?
(a) The plebeian branch.
(b) The princes.
(c) The judicial (magistrates) branch.
(d) The legislative branch.