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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 recommend a Republic deal with enemies that spring up within an empire?
(a) He advocates smearing them with public proclamations about the threat they pose.
(b) He recommends that efforts be made to temporize (compromise) them rather than crush them.
(c) He advises Princes to allow his supporters to conspire to assassinate the enemies.
(d) Princes should name appoint them to offices to leave their actions open to public scrutiny.

2. What is another method that Machiavelli reports leaders use to offend their citizens?
(a) Persisting in harsh punishments for misdemeanors.
(b) Refusing to provide sufficient education for the youth.
(c) Refusing to provide wealth to the general masses.
(d) Persisting in acts that are considered offensive to citizens.

3. What should the reader consider as evil when Machiavelli is advising Princes to "recognize evils".
(a) Evil is anything with which a Prince does not agree.
(b) Evil is those public reactions that oppose the Prince.
(c) Evil is those human inclinations that cause them to act selfishly.
(d) Evil should be considered to be any influence which challenges the power of the Prince.

4. 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."

5. How long did Sparta peacefully exist without changing its laws, according to Machiavelli?
(a) 350 years.
(b) Until its domination by Rome.
(c) 800 years.
(d) Through the reign of Lycurgus.

Short Answer Questions

1. Of what should Princes be most ashamed in Machiavelli's view?

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

3. What were the reasons that Machiavelli cited for the Roman Senate choosing to pay a public stipend to fighting men (soldiers)?

4. In Book 1, Section 37, what does Machiavelli claim to be the foundation of well-ordered Republics?

5. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?

(see the answer key)

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