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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. How does Machiavelli suggest that Princes and other leaders deal with acts that offend their citizens?
(a) Increase taxes on the wealthy and use the money in ways that benefit the general masses.
(b) Increase their power and penalties for crimes and scare the Citizens into submission and acceptance.
(c) Make the offense quickly then act to reassure them and give them cause to quiet and firm their spirits.
(d) Distract the Citizens by making war against a nearby province.

2. 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 Caesars, provinces of the Empire would have moved to avoid hazards.
(c) Without the empire is it possible that the hazards the empire faced would not have materialized.
(d) If the Nobles of Rome had not sought to possess distant provinces, there would have been no need for Caesars.

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

4. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?
(a) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.
(b) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to keep important advisers within the circle of government.
(c) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions assures a smooth transition of power.
(d) Because the general masses are satisfied with appearances and are moved by things as they appear rather than by the way they operate (perception is reality).

5. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?
(a) Weak and dependent people seek to become senators.
(b) Generals seek to become senators.
(c) The working poor seek to become plebes.
(d) The rich and powerful, rather than the virtuous, seek to become judges (magistrates).

Short Answer Questions

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

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

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. According to Machiavelli, how did the Agrarian Laws violate the foundation of well-ordered Republics?

5. How does Machiavelli expect a city can keep its freedom after a weak Prince follows an excellent Prince?

(see the answer key)

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