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

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

3. What does Machiavelli believe will come of agreements made by force?
(a) They aid to enhance the power of the Prince.
(b) They will not last.
(c) They will lead to the overthrow of he who has the power to enforce them.
(d) The will lead to the capture of those who are under the power.

4. Why does Machiavelli consider the Roman Caesars to have been a benefit to the Roman Empire?
(a) The Roman Caesars acted ruthlessly when confronted with challenges.
(b) The Roman Caesars were skilled in choosing advisers to direct the directions of the Republic.
(c) Because without the power of the Caesars, the empire would have had difficulty avoiding hazards.
(d) The Roman Caesars had the convenience of acting quickly to confront hazards.

5. Why would corrupt Republics accept common deceptions?
(a) Because they help to confuse Citizens to the corruption.
(b) Because they keep anyone from knowing any truth.
(c) Because they hide the corruption of the political class.
(d) Because they are put forward by men who want favors more readily for themselves than for the public.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil?

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

3. How did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?

4. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?

5. Why does Machiavelli claim these forms of government developed?

(see the answer key)

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