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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 cite as the method that Rome used to maintain its freedom?
(a) It made frequent use of elections to allow the citizens to influence government.
(b) It continually sent soldiers to expand its empire.
(c) It made public displays of punishments for lawbreakers.
(d) It continued to make new laws and new institutions to confront corruption.

2. What were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes that Machiavelli reported were taken by Roman Nobility in Book 1, Section 52?
(a) A reduction of taxes and the initiation of public works jobs for which Plebes would have the first opportunity for hiring.
(b) Allowing Plebes to contend for four Tribune positions and paying wages to soldiers.
(c) A regular schedule of holidays throughout the year that gave Plebes an opportunity to rest.
(d) Offerings to Plebes of land in newly captured territories.

3. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?
(a) For leaders to make a law and refuse to observe it.
(b) For leaders to neglect the ordering of an army.
(c) For leaders to choose weak captains.
(d) For leaders to avoid harsh punishments for law breakers.

4. 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) Barren areas stand at crossroads between fertile areas so they can control trade between prosperous cities.
(c) Residents of sterile areas become more creative and develop technologies that can be sold to more fertile areas.
(d) The poverty of resources would require those living there to have less cause for discord.

5. What are the two means that Machiavelli identifies as how laws are developed in cities at the beginning of Section 2, Book One.
(a) Through dominion of the wealthy or through bartering agreements.
(b) At one time by one man and by chance at several times according to events.
(c) By war and by peace.
(d) Through Princes or through Republics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Machiavelli report that the Nobles controlled the process of Plebes having the opportunity to choose Plebes for four Tribunes?

2. According to Machiavelli, what was one negative consequence of the Roman Senate's decision to pay soldiers out of public money?

3. What should the reader consider as evil when Machiavelli is advising Princes to "recognize evils".

4. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?

5. What does Machiavelli consider to be the means of someone rising from the bottom to gain a great fortune?

(see the answer key)

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