This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Sundry Remarks on Strategy, Tactics, New Devices and Discipline, Administrative Posts, Administrative Methods: The Rival Claims of Severity and Good Fellowship.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are Machiavelli's two thoughts on fortresses?
(a) They build confidence and demonstrate power.
(b) They are not necessary and harmful.
(c) They are costly and hard to maintain.
(d) They are important for protection and wise for storing armaments.

2. What does Machiavelli identify as the three divisions of armies of his day?
(a) Vanguard, Battle Corps, and Rearguard.
(b) Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery.
(c) Battle Corps, Navy, and Ordinance.
(d) Cavalry, Vanguard, and Artillery.

3. What are the three ways a Republic can expand that Machiavelli recognized?
(a) By joining in league with other Republics, make other Republics associates, and to make other Republics subjects immediately.
(b) By making trade alliances with wealthy provinces, by joining in war with weak Republics, and by making alliances with powerful tyrannies.
(c) By conquering distant provinces, by supporting other provinces to conquer enemies, and to make allies with strong Republics.
(d) By sending Nobles out to establish colonies, by sending armies out to conquer foreign provinces, and making other provinces associates.

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?
(a) "He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."
(b) "Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just."
(c) "It is power that easily acquires a name, not a name power."
(d) "Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil."

5. According to Machiavelli, what was one negative consequence of the Roman Senate's decision to pay soldiers out of public money?
(a) It raised taxes on Nobles.
(b) Soldiers began expecting regular pay raises.
(c) Rome was required to produce more currency to meet the payments, so the currency was devalued.
(d) So many Citizens joined the military that there were not enough to perform necessary jobs throughout the Republic.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. What were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes that Machiavelli reported were taken by Roman Nobility in Book 1, Section 52?

3. What does Machiavelli announce as the purpose of Book Two of "The Discourses" in the preface?

4. What does Machiavelli recommend that prudent men avoid?

5. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?

(see the answer key)

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