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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 is an obvious counterpoint to Machiavelli's assertion to the benefits of the power of the Caesars to the Roman Empire?
(a) The cost of Empire caused hazards to gather domestically as well as throughout the Empire.
(b) Without the empire is it possible that the hazards the empire faced would not have materialized.
(c) If the Nobles of Rome had not sought to possess distant provinces, there would have been no need for Caesars.
(d) Without the Caesars, provinces of the Empire would have moved to avoid hazards.

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

3. According to Machiavelli in Section 1 of Book One, who are the two types of people who build cities?
(a) Craftsmen and politicians.
(b) Men born in their location or foreigners.
(c) Princes and generals.
(d) Farmers and merchants.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Machiavelli, how did the Nobles of Rome attempt to correct the limit on the wealth that was placed on them by Agrarian Laws?

2. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?

3. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's idea of virtue from reading the review of the first three kings of Rome as he begins his discourse of weak Princes and excellent Princes?

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

5. What, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?

(see the answer key)

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