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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, The Use and Abuse of Dictatorship, The Road to Ruin, Sundry Reflections Based on the Decemvirate.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. From what did Machiavelli develop the information that he wrote into "The Discourses"?
(a) From his world travels to study governments in other cultures.
(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 long experience and continuous study of worldly affairs.

3. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?
(a) For leaders to avoid harsh punishments for law breakers.
(b) For leaders to choose weak captains.
(c) For leaders to neglect the ordering of an army.
(d) For leaders to make a law and refuse to observe it.

4. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?
(a) Princes who are not cruel enough with punishment.
(b) An insufficiency of or inability to enforce laws that deal effectively with corruption.
(c) Princes who are preoccupied with seeking pleasure rather than power.
(d) Rebellious citizens who defy ruling authorities.

5. What do fertile areas offer to those who settle there according to Machiavelli?
(a) Raw materials that can be sent to sterile areas for manufacturing and refinement.
(b) Resources that will sustain a growing population.
(c) The means by which a city can grow and have the ability to defend themselves.
(d) The ability to affect the economy of sterile areas.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?

2. According to Machiavelli, what caused the Roman Republic to form?

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. How long did Sparta peacefully exist without changing its laws, according to Machiavelli?

5. What is Machiavelli's explanation for initiating his recommended approach with enemies against an empire?

(see the answer key)

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