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. Based upon Machiavelli's details, for whose benefit were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes devoted?
(a) Magistrates who used public works as a means of keeping political support from the general masses.
(b) The benefit of the Kings who needed occupiers throughout the Empire.
(c) The benefit of Nobles and people in power.
(d) The Plebes who had very busy working lives.

2. In Book 1, Section 46, Machiavelli credits the ruin of Republics on citizens who jump from one ambition to another. What was the phrase that Sallust put in the mouth of Caesar that explains how such ambitions begin?
(a) "All evil examples have their origins in good beginnings."
(b) "Beware the Ides of March."
(c) "I see the better things, and approve; I follow the worse."
(d) "Vini. Vidi. Vici."

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. 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) A series of Caesars who named friends to be Captains.
(c) Tribunes who called the army from foreign provinces and decommissioned its Captains.
(d) A recent denial of appeal by Girolamo Savonarola to five citizens sentenced to death after Savonarola wrote the law allowing appeals.

5. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?
(a) Because doing so keeps the most famous citizens obedient to the Prince.
(b) Because doing so helps to find the most ardent supporters of the Prince.
(c) Because doing so gives the Prince the opportunity to prove his harshness.
(d) Because doing so helps the Republic remain free for a long time.