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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, 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 should the reader consider as evil when Machiavelli is advising Princes to "recognize evils".
(a) Evil should be considered to be any influence which challenges the power of the Prince.
(b) Evil is those public reactions that oppose the Prince.
(c) Evil is anything with which a Prince does not agree.
(d) Evil is those human inclinations that cause them to act selfishly.

2. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?
(a) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.
(b) Because the general masses are satisfied with appearances and are moved by things as they appear rather than by the way they operate (perception is reality).
(c) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to keep important advisers within the circle of government.
(d) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions assures a smooth transition of power.

3. What kinds of men are frowned upon in corrupt Republics?
(a) Scribes.
(b) Excellent men.
(c) Vocal men.
(d) Common men.

4. Why would corrupt Republics accept common deceptions?
(a) Because they hide the corruption of the political class.
(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 keep anyone from knowing any truth.

5. How does Machiavelli suggest that Princes and other leaders deal with acts that offend their citizens?
(a) Make the offense quickly then act to reassure them and give them cause to quiet and firm their spirits.
(b) Increase their power and penalties for crimes and scare the Citizens into submission and acceptance.
(c) Distract the Citizens by making war against a nearby province.
(d) Increase taxes on the wealthy and use the money in ways that benefit the general masses.

Short Answer Questions

1. From what did Machiavelli develop the information that he wrote into "The Discourses"?

2. What does Machiavelli claim to be the cause of Princes losing inherited power?

3. What did Machiavelli cite as the method that Rome used to maintain its freedom?

4. What does Machiavelli consider one of the most important reasons the Roman Empire was successful in expanding its borders?

5. What did Roman historian Livius call Necessity?

(see the answer key)

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