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) 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.

2. What does Machiavelli claim causes unity in a Republic?
(a) Fear and war.
(b) Wealth and industry.
(c) Fortune and leisure.
(d) Idleness and peace.

3. Why does Machiavelli claim that the rule of the Caesars was preferable to the regime of the Decemvirs?
(a) Because, according to Machiavelli, the Decemvirs did not pursue expansion of the Empire.
(b) Because Machiavelli believed that the Decemvirs were too lax on punishments for violators of the law.
(c) Because the Caesars ended Rome's state of continual war.
(d) Because under the Caesar, there remained the Tribunes, Consuls, and the Senate, to whom the Caesar remained responsible.

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

5. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?
(a) The gathering of officials will paralyze the Republic in debate.
(b) They will always be ruined in grave incidents.
(c) A Republican government will always move in the benefit of everyone dependent on them.
(d) The trust leaders show in the people will inspire them to overcome the peril.