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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 believe to the nature of men that causes them to either fight from ambition or from necessity?
(a) Men that choose to fight always fight for the glory of the City.
(b) They are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything.
(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.

2. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?
(a) "It is power that easily acquires a name, not a name power."
(b) "Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil."
(c) "Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just."
(d) "He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."

3. What are three reasons that Machiavelli gives for cities becoming unhappy?
(a) When cities face armed challenges from outside institutions, the courts do not act justly, and when leaders abuse their power.
(b) 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.
(c) When leaders drain resources to fight wars, when laws become tools for Princes to become more wealthy, when there is taxation without representation.
(d) When taxes drain Plebes of their wages, when resources are not allocated equitably, and when Princes seek to expand their influence with wars.

4. What was the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Discourses"?
(a) Machiavelli's desire to guide politicians to serve the public needs.
(b) Machiavelli's interest in forms of government.
(c) Livy's account of the history of Rome written around 25 B.C.
(d) Machiavelli's fascination for power.

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

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. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?

3. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?

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

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

(see the answer key)

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