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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 is an obvious counterpoint to Machiavelli's assertion to the benefits of the power of the Caesars to the Roman Empire?
(a) Without the Caesars, provinces of the Empire would have moved to avoid hazards.
(b) Without the empire is it possible that the hazards the empire faced would not have materialized.
(c) The cost of Empire caused hazards to gather domestically as well as throughout the Empire.
(d) If the Nobles of Rome had not sought to possess distant provinces, there would have been no need for Caesars.

2. What was a rival Empire to Rome as Rome began its expansion?
(a) The Egyptians.
(b) The Carthaginians.
(c) The Spartans.
(d) The Babylonians.

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

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

5. According to Machiavelli, what type of people seek what office to cause a city to become corrupt?
(a) The working poor seek to become plebes.
(b) The rich and powerful, rather than the virtuous, seek to become judges (magistrates).
(c) Generals seek to become senators.
(d) Weak and dependent people seek to become senators.

Short Answer Questions

1. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?

2. What does Machiavelli claim new sects (religions) do as they rise to prominence?

3. Why does Machiavelli consider the Roman Caesars to have been a benefit to the Roman Empire?

4. How did Roman soldiers provide for themselves before the Senate decided to pay them?

5. What does Machiavelli identify as the cause of using dishonorable words against an enemy?

(see the answer key)

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