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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. What does Machiavelli advise Princes in observing promises made under force?
(a) To observe them until which time they can fight for freedom.
(b) That they are not to be observed when the force is removed.
(c) To observe them without reservation as they put themselves in the situation due to incompenence.
(d) To deceive the party who forces the promise until they can make alliances that will defeat him.

2. Why does Machiavelli consider it impossible to establish a perpetual Republic?
(a) Because a Republic will always have ambitious men.
(b) Because all the ruling Nobles will have to be sent to colonies.
(c) Because a Republic must always send its best men to war.
(d) Because in a thousand unforeseen ways its ruin may be caused.

3. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?
(a) His city and his chief advisers.
(b) His reputation and family.
(c) His fortune and forces.
(d) His fortune and his reputation.

4. What does Machiavelli advise to Princes who desire to take something from another Prince?
(a) To take the Prince captive first but make no hasty decisions afterwards.
(b) To make sure that their generals know tactics of deception.
(c) To act quickly to force a quick decision on the other Prince.
(d) To keep their plans a secret.

5. What does Machiavelli claim happens to great men in times of peace?
(a) They become tyrants.
(b) They retire and slip into obscurity.
(c) They become neglected.
(d) They become corrupted and evil.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Machiavelli, what caused so much hard work for Rome as it expanded its Empire to distant provinces?

2. What opportunities come to Princes who take Machiavelli's advice in acting to take something from another Prince.

3. Why does Machiavelli advise Captains to use new things at the time that he does?

4. How does the institution that makes men "harsh or effeminate" influence them, according to Machiavelli?

5. What does Machiavelli claim that prudent men usually say?

(see the answer key)

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