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

2. Why does Machiavelli claim that the rule of the Caesars was preferable to the regime of the Decemvirs?
(a) Because the Caesars ended Rome's state of continual war.
(b) Because Machiavelli believed that the Decemvirs were too lax on punishments for violators of the law.
(c) Because under the Caesar, there remained the Tribunes, Consuls, and the Senate, to whom the Caesar remained responsible.
(d) Because, according to Machiavelli, the Decemvirs did not pursue expansion of the Empire.

3. What does Machiavelli believe to the nature of men that causes them to either fight from ambition or from necessity?
(a) They are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything.
(b) Men that choose to fight always fight for the glory of the City.
(c) Men that choose to fight always fight for personal benefit.
(d) They fight so they can have the power to deliver liberty to themselves and the City.

4. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?
(a) That Machiavelli considers freedom only suited to those who can earn it or buy it.
(b) That Machiavelli is focused on keeping cities free from outside influences rather than individual freedom.
(c) That Machiavelli uses the term freedom in reference to the actions of Princes only.
(d) That Machiavelli considered civil rights and individual liberties indispensable to the strength of a city.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?

2. How does Machiavelli recommend a Republic deal with enemies that spring up within an empire?

3. What should the reader consider as evil when Machiavelli is advising Princes to "recognize evils".

4. What did Machiavelli cite as the method that Rome used to maintain its freedom?

5. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?

(see the answer key)

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