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. According to Machiavelli, if men have prospered greatly by one procedure, what is not possible?
(a) To undo their success.
(b) To undo their honor.
(c) To persuade them they can do well with other procedures.
(d) To remove them from their position.

2. According to Machiavelli, what prevented the ambitions of the Nobles from corrupting Rome?
(a) Social ostracism by the Senate.
(b) The expanded Empire required that they move to colonies to lead them.
(c) Wars drained their wealth.
(d) The power of the Tribunes and the Plebes.

3. What does Machiavelli identify as an important action for Nobles to take to control the ambitions of Citizens seeking position?
(a) Have them kidnapped and killed.
(b) Find ways to have them sent to war.
(c) Forestall their paths to attain the rank they seek.
(d) Find ways to bring the ambitious Citizens into Noble circles to keep them under watch and compromise their influence.

4. What does Machiavelli consider necessary to take control over a Republic to install a bad form of government over it?
(a) Leaders who are irresolute in their decisions.
(b) Bad administrators.
(c) People corrupted by the times.
(d) Bad Captains.

5. How does Machiavelli recommend a Republic deal with enemies that spring up within an empire?
(a) Princes should name appoint them to offices to leave their actions open to public scrutiny.
(b) He advises Princes to allow his supporters to conspire to assassinate the enemies.
(c) He recommends that efforts be made to temporize (compromise) them rather than crush them.
(d) He advocates smearing them with public proclamations about the threat they pose.