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. 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) "Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil."
(b) "Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just."
(c) "It is power that easily acquires a name, not a name power."
(d) "He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."

2. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's view of freedom based upon reading view of weak and strong Princes?
(a) That Machiavelli considered civil rights and individual liberties indispensable to the strength of a city.
(b) That Machiavelli considers freedom only suited to those who can earn it or buy it.
(c) That Machiavelli uses the term freedom in reference to the actions of Princes only.
(d) That Machiavelli is focused on keeping cities free from outside influences rather than individual freedom.

3. What did Machiavelli identify as the cause of conspiracy against a hereditary Princes?
(a) Less powerful people desired the power of the Prince.
(b) The larger population of citizens became unhappy with the the political preferences of the Princes.
(c) The general population became dissatisfied with the distribution of wealth.
(d) They degenerated from their fathers, and surpassed others in sumptuousness and lasciviousness and in every other kind of delight.

4. 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.

5. How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil?
(a) "The man of power should present himself with cold ruthlessness and avoid any show of sentimentality."
(b) "Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness."
(c) "Beauty is power; a smile is its sword."
(d) "...(W)ith as much grace and as honorably as he can, attiring himself with the insignia of his rank which he holds in order to make himself more revered."