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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, Preface, Methods of Expansion, Colonization and War: Its Causes and Cost, Diplomacy and War.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are reasons Machiavelli cited for a group of people leaving their native country to seek a new home?
(a) Racial conflict and economic injustice.
(b) Overcrowding and social unrest.
(c) Family strife and lack of work.
(d) Pestilence, famine or war.

2. What does Machiavelli identify as the easiest way to "...ruin a Republic where the People have authority...."
(a) Cause them to distribute wealth.
(b) For Nobles to cultivate rivalries between partisans among the People.
(c) For the Nobles to promote corrupted Citizens in elections.
(d) Involve them in a brave enterprise.

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

4. What was an example from Roman history that Machiavelli used to suggest the Plebes possesses greater wisdom than Nobles?
(a) The failed attempt of the Nobles to put Plebes of ill-repute to selection for Tribunes.
(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 willingness of the Plebes to go to war for the glory of Rome.
(d) The Magistrates decision to delay battle against the Samnites.

5. When Machiavelli writes, "For sometimes of necessity our judgment is the truth, as human affairs are always in motion, either ascending or descending," what is he writing about what he believes about truth?
(a) You can't make sound judgments without having a firm grasp on the truth.
(b) Truth is not as important as the people you make relationships with.
(c) Truth is irrelevant to the reason for making judgments.
(d) Machiavelli considers truth to be relative.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?

2. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?

3. According to Machiavelli, what is the first thing that Citizens seek when starting on the path of chasing their ambitions?

4. What is Machiavelli's conclusion regarding how someone can establish a Republic where there is great equality?

5. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?

(see the answer key)

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