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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. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?
(a) Because doing so helps the Republic remain free for a long time.
(b) Because doing so gives the Prince the opportunity to prove his harshness.
(c) Because doing so keeps the most famous citizens obedient to the Prince.
(d) Because doing so helps to find the most ardent supporters of the Prince.

2. What does Machiavelli believe to the nature of men that causes them to either fight from ambition or from necessity?
(a) They are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything.
(b) Men that choose to fight always fight for the glory of the City.
(c) They fight so they can have the power to deliver liberty to themselves and the City.
(d) Men that choose to fight always fight for personal benefit.

3. What does Machiavelli consider one of the most important reasons the Roman Empire was successful in expanding its borders?
(a) It had laws that kept the Plebes in their place.
(b) It kept Citizens in poverty.
(c) The Senate gave great authority to military leaders over Cities that Rome was attacking.
(d) It showed skill in placing Nobles in control over colonies.

4. What does Machiavelli predict will come of corrupted Republics if they do not take the important step of extending its life?
(a) They will become ineffective and subject to the rule of a stronger Republic.
(b) They will break apart into new Republics
(c) The corruption will kill the body.
(d) They will fall victim to a Tyrant.

5. How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil?
(a) "The man of power should present himself with cold ruthlessness and avoid any show of sentimentality."
(b) "Beauty is power; a smile is its sword."
(c) "Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness."
(d) "...(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."

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli examine in Chapter 1 of Book 2?

2. What are the five types of government identified by Machiavelli?

3. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?

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. In Book 1, Section 46, Machiavelli credits the ruin of Republics on citizens who jump from one ambition to another. What was the phrase that Sallust put in the mouth of Caesar that explains how such ambitions begin?

(see the answer key)

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