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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Salus Populi, Suprema Lex, Further Reflections Based on the Samnite Wars, The Preservation of Freedom in a Republic.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Based upon Machiavelli's details, for whose benefit were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes devoted?
(a) The Plebes who had very busy working lives.
(b) The benefit of Nobles and people in power.
(c) Magistrates who used public works as a means of keeping political support from the general masses.
(d) The benefit of the Kings who needed occupiers throughout the Empire.

2. What can be inferred of Machiavelli's idea of virtue from reading the review of the first three kings of Rome as he begins his discourse of weak Princes and excellent Princes?
(a) That he considers the most weak Princes to practice ambivalence to virtue.
(b) The he considers moral integrity to be the primary virtue for Princes.
(c) That he believes being ferocious and warlike is an indispensible virtue for a Prince.
(d) That he considers bureaucratic expertise to be an important virtue for Princes.

3. According to Machiavelli, how did the Nobles of Rome attempt to correct the limit on the wealth that was placed on them by Agrarian Laws?
(a) They raised taxes on Plebes who used the land awarded to them by the Agrarian Laws.
(b) They reduced taxes on themselves and used their increased wealth to buy back their land.
(c) The Nobles took political control over the Senate and changed the laws to allow Nobles to control all the land of the Empire.
(d) Rome would send out armies to colonize lands that were then distributed to Nobles.

4. Why does Machiavelli admire Fabius Maximus for avoiding battles?
(a) Because he waited until the time for battle was in his favor.
(b) Because it gave the Senate time to negotiate a treaty.
(c) Because he did not have a sufficient number of soldiers.
(d) Because his soldiers were unqualified for battle.

5. Why does Machiavelli suggest wars should be quick with limited damage to the conquered City?
(a) So armies can be brought home to participate in a productive economy.
(b) So armies can be readied for the next war.
(c) To reduce the cost to the conquering Prince and preserve the resources of the conquered city as booty for the conquering forces.
(d) So Citizens are not burdened by the demands of the war.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli advise Princes in observing promises made under force?

2. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?

3. Who does Machiavelli credit with protecting Rome from the ambitions of the Tribunes?

4. How does Machiavelli predict a citizen will conduct himself if he is not punished for his misdeeds because of his reputation for doing good deeds, according to Machiavelli.

5. What does Machiavelli predict will come of corrupted Republics if they do not take the important step of extending its life?

(see the answer key)

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