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

2. Why does Machiavelli consider the Roman Caesars to have been a benefit to the Roman Empire?
(a) The Roman Caesars acted ruthlessly when confronted with challenges.
(b) The Roman Caesars were skilled in choosing advisers to direct the directions of the Republic.
(c) The Roman Caesars had the convenience of acting quickly to confront hazards.
(d) Because without the power of the Caesars, the empire would have had difficulty avoiding hazards.

3. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?
(a) They will always be ruined in grave incidents.
(b) A Republican government will always move in the benefit of everyone dependent on them.
(c) The gathering of officials will paralyze the Republic in debate.
(d) The trust leaders show in the people will inspire them to overcome the peril.

4. What does Machiavelli believe to the nature of men that causes them to either fight from ambition or from necessity?
(a) They fight so they can have the power to deliver liberty to themselves and 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) Men that choose to fight always fight for the glory of the City.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is the main point Machiavelli investigates as he prepares to discuss the affects of strong Princes and weak Princes?

3. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?

4. What is the branch of government that Machiavelli recognizes as that which most prevents or causes corruption to come over a city?

5. Who were the Decemvirs?

(see the answer key)

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