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

2. What did Machiavelli establish as the cycle of governing forms?
(a) Monarchy (principality) to aristocracy to oligarchy to democracy to monarchy.
(b) Democracy to republic go aristocracy to oligarchy to anarchy to democracy.
(c) Aristocracy to republic to oligarchy to monarchy to aristocracy.
(d) Anarchy to democracy to oligarchy to monarchy to anarchy.

3. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?
(a) The trust leaders show in the people will inspire them to overcome the peril.
(b) The gathering of officials will paralyze the Republic in debate.
(c) A Republican government will always move in the benefit of everyone dependent on them.
(d) They will always be ruined in grave incidents.

4. According to Machiavelli, what was one negative consequence of the Roman Senate's decision to pay soldiers out of public money?
(a) Soldiers began expecting regular pay raises.
(b) It raised taxes on Nobles.
(c) Rome was required to produce more currency to meet the payments, so the currency was devalued.
(d) So many Citizens joined the military that there were not enough to perform necessary jobs throughout the Republic.

5. What, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?
(a) They cannot settle conflicts except with force because their weakness prevents them from resolving doubts over issues.
(b) They have no alternative but to join alliances with powerful Republics that will take control of them.
(c) They will eventually fade away and reemerge as a tyranny.
(d) They face invasion, destruction and anhilation.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What are two reasons Machiavelli gives for foreign forces building a city?

3. What does Machiavelli identify as an important action for Nobles to take to control the ambitions of Citizens seeking position?

4. Reviewing earlier chapters of "The Discourses", why would Machiavelli consider long wars in foreign lands important?

5. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?

(see the answer key)

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