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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Reform, Security, and the Elimination of Rivals, On Conspiracies, The Need of Adaptation to Environment.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. How did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?
(a) As a cynical commentary to the weakness of leaders of his time.
(b) With advice to two friends on how to keep their friends close and their enemies closer.
(c) As a warning to future generations of the tenuous nature of freedom.
(d) As a letter to two political thinkers from Florence.

4. 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) The Nobles took political control over the Senate and changed the laws to allow Nobles to control all the land of the Empire.
(b) They raised taxes on Plebes who used the land awarded to them by the Agrarian Laws.
(c) They reduced taxes on themselves and used their increased wealth to buy back their land.
(d) Rome would send out armies to colonize lands that were then distributed to Nobles.

5. 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.
(a) He will become the most effective aide to the Prince and help expand his power over the citizens.
(b) He will eventually become overwhelmed by his conscience and slip away into obscurity.
(c) He will, in short time, become so insolent as to put an end to all civil law.
(d) He will find ways to subvert the Prince and take his power.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?

2. In Book 1, Section 37, what does Machiavelli claim to be the foundation of well-ordered Republics?

3. Through what means does Machiavelli suggest that a City can achieve what he considers greatness?

4. What are reasons Machiavelli cited for a group of people leaving their native country to seek a new home?

5. Why does Machiavelli claim that the rule of the Caesars was preferable to the regime of the Decemvirs?

(see the answer key)

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