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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 long did Sparta peacefully exist without changing its laws, according to Machiavelli?
(a) 350 years.
(b) 800 years.
(c) Through the reign of Lycurgus.
(d) Until its domination by Rome.

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

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

4. 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 face armed challenges from outside institutions, the courts do not act justly, and when leaders abuse their power.
(d) 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.

5. To what does Machiavelli compare great kingdoms and republics from history?
(a) To his projections of the future in which Machiavelli speculated on how power would be preserved.
(b) To his ideal state that combined the most successful institutions from those civilizations.
(c) To great works of antique art that have been found and preserved.
(d) To the state of political instability in which was common to Machiavelli's day.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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.

2. What do fertile areas offer to those who settle there according to Machiavelli?

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

4. What is the main point Machiavelli investigates as he prepares to discuss the affects of strong Princes and weak Princes?

5. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?

(see the answer key)

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