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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. How long did Sparta peacefully exist without changing its laws, according to Machiavelli?
(a) Through the reign of Lycurgus.
(b) 350 years.
(c) 800 years.
(d) Until its domination by Rome.

2. What was the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Discourses"?
(a) Machiavelli's fascination for power.
(b) Livy's account of the history of Rome written around 25 B.C.
(c) Machiavelli's interest in forms of government.
(d) Machiavelli's desire to guide politicians to serve the public needs.

3. How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil?
(a) "Beauty is power; a smile is its sword."
(b) "Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness."
(c) "...(W)ith as much grace and as honorably as he can, attiring himself with the insignia of his rank which he holds in order to make himself more revered."
(d) "The man of power should present himself with cold ruthlessness and avoid any show of sentimentality."

4. Who were the Decemvirs?
(a) Officials who took their power in the last month of the year.
(b) The 12 Nobles who the Caesars appointed to help him manage the Empire.
(c) Ten citizens created by the Roman people to make the laws in Rome.
(d) Courtiers who gathered around the Caesars to protect them during times of festivals.

5. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?
(a) Picking battles that are important enough to fight and small enough to win.
(b) Keeping friends close and enemies closer.
(c) In times of peace not neglecting the arrangements of war.
(d) Knowing that the enemy of his enemy is his friend.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli suggest as the intention to make war?

2. What did Machiavelli report led gatherings of people to make laws?

3. What is an obvious counterpoint to Machiavelli's assertion to the benefits of the power of the Caesars to the Roman Empire?

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 consider the Roman Caesars to have been a benefit to the Roman Empire?

(see the answer key)

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