View a FREE sample

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 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.

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

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

4. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?
(a) Princes who are not cruel enough with punishment.
(b) Rebellious citizens who defy ruling authorities.
(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.

5. Of what should Princes be most ashamed in Machiavelli's view?
(a) Being discovered to be self-absorbed and not devoted to building the strength of their cities.
(b) Missing opportunities to conquer other cities.
(c) Lacking their own soldiers for defense and offense.
(d) Consuming his wealth in debauchery.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is another method that Machiavelli reports leaders use to offend their citizens?

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

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

4. What did Machiavelli identify as the cause of conspiracy against a hereditary Princes?

5. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 484 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample