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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. 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) Truth is not as important as the people you make relationships with.
(b) Machiavelli considers truth to be relative.
(c) Truth is irrelevant to the reason for making judgments.
(d) You can't make sound judgments without having a firm grasp on the truth.

2. According to Machiavelli, how did the Nobles of Rome attempt to correct the limit on the wealth that was placed on them by Agrarian Laws?
(a) They raised taxes on Plebes who used the land awarded to them by the Agrarian Laws.
(b) Rome would send out armies to colonize lands that were then distributed to Nobles.
(c) They reduced taxes on themselves and used their increased wealth to buy back their land.
(d) The Nobles took political control over the Senate and changed the laws to allow Nobles to control all the land of the Empire.

3. What does "Crescit interea Roma Albae ruinis" mean?
(a) The Roman interrogations ruined Albanian Fertile Crescent.
(b) Rome and Alba ruined Crete's industry.
(c) Creative Romans will bring ruins to Alba.
(d) Rome grew on the ruins of Alba .

4. 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.

5. What did Machiavelli suggest is the advantage of settling in areas that were "sterile" (barren)?
(a) The isolation from more fertile areas allow for greater freedom.
(b) Residents of sterile areas become more creative and develop technologies that can be sold to more fertile areas.
(c) Barren areas stand at crossroads between fertile areas so they can control trade between prosperous cities.
(d) The poverty of resources would require those living there to have less cause for discord.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does Machiavelli compare great kingdoms and republics from history?

2. What does Machiavelli suggest causes corruption?

3. What are three reasons that Machiavelli gives for cities becoming unhappy?

4. How does Machiavelli predict a citizen will conduct himself if he is not punished for his misdeeds because of his reputation for doing good deeds, according to Machiavelli.

5. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?

(see the answer key)

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