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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 Popular Demand for a Share in Government, The Management of the Populace, The Advantages of Popular Government.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.
(a) He will, in short time, become so insolent as to put an end to all civil law.
(b) He will find ways to subvert the Prince and take his power.
(c) He will become the most effective aide to the Prince and help expand his power over the citizens.
(d) He will eventually become overwhelmed by his conscience and slip away into obscurity.

2. Who were the Decemvirs?
(a) Courtiers who gathered around the Caesars to protect them during times of festivals.
(b) Officials who took their power in the last month of the year.
(c) Ten citizens created by the Roman people to make the laws in Rome.
(d) The 12 Nobles who the Caesars appointed to help him manage the Empire.

3. What did Machiavelli suggest is the advantage of settling in areas that were "sterile" (barren)?
(a) The poverty of resources would require those living there to have less cause for discord.
(b) Barren areas stand at crossroads between fertile areas so they can control trade between prosperous cities.
(c) Residents of sterile areas become more creative and develop technologies that can be sold to more fertile areas.
(d) The isolation from more fertile areas allow for greater freedom.

4. What advice does Machiavelli offer in Book 1, Section 52 to those who want to pursue their ambitions?
(a) "...(C)onsider the defects and perils which it [presents], and not to undertake it if it should be more dangerous than useful,...."
(b) "Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make yhou believe that you too can become great."
(c) "He who is blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher must herafter fall with greatest loss."
(d) "Ambition is the last infirmity of Noble minds."

5. What does Machiavelli identify as the easiest way to "...ruin a Republic where the People have authority...."
(a) Cause them to distribute wealth.
(b) For Nobles to cultivate rivalries between partisans among the People.
(c) For the Nobles to promote corrupted Citizens in elections.
(d) Involve them in a brave enterprise.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli believe will come of agreements made by force?

2. According to Machiavelli, what was one negative consequence of the Roman Senate's decision to pay soldiers out of public money?

3. How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil?

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

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

(see the answer key)

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