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. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?
(a) The lawlessness that overtook Carthage as its Princes suspended harsh sentences for crimes against the State.
(b) Tribunes who called the army from foreign provinces and decommissioned its Captains.
(c) A series of Caesars who named friends to be Captains.
(d) A recent denial of appeal by Girolamo Savonarola to five citizens sentenced to death after Savonarola wrote the law allowing appeals.

2. What did Machiavelli report led gatherings of people to make laws?
(a) To avoid evils that people committed on others.
(b) So resources could be justly distributed.
(c) To protect economic activity that benefited the city.
(d) To set order to the defense of the city.

3. What is the branch of government that Machiavelli recognizes as that which most prevents or causes corruption to come over a city?
(a) The legislative branch.
(b) The judicial (magistrates) branch.
(c) The plebeian branch.
(d) The princes.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?

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

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

4. What are reasons Machiavelli cited for a group of people leaving their native country to seek a new home?

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

(see the answer key)

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