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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. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?
(a) Generals seek to become senators.
(b) The working poor seek to become plebes.
(c) Weak and dependent people seek to become senators.
(d) The rich and powerful, rather than the virtuous, seek to become judges (magistrates).

2. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?
(a) For leaders to make a law and refuse to observe it.
(b) For leaders to choose weak captains.
(c) For leaders to avoid harsh punishments for law breakers.
(d) For leaders to neglect the ordering of an army.

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

4. What was an example from Roman history that Machiavelli used to suggest the Plebes possesses greater wisdom than Nobles?
(a) The willingness of the Plebes to go to war for the glory of Rome.
(b) A time when the Plebes could have chosen all Plebes for four Tribunes, chose, instead, four Nobles because they recognized the weaknesses of Plebes filling those offices.
(c) The Magistrates decision to delay battle against the Samnites.
(d) The failed attempt of the Nobles to put Plebes of ill-repute to selection for Tribunes.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What should the reader consider as evil when Machiavelli is advising Princes to "recognize evils".

2. How did Roman soldiers provide for themselves before the Senate decided to pay them?

3. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's idea of virtue from reading the review of the first three kings of Rome as he begins his discourse of weak Princes and excellent Princes?

4. What are the five types of government identified by Machiavelli?

5. What did Machiavelli suggest is the advantage of settling in areas that were "sterile" (barren)?

(see the answer key)

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