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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 consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?
(a) For leaders to avoid harsh punishments for law breakers.
(b) For leaders to make a law and refuse to observe it.
(c) For leaders to choose weak captains.
(d) For leaders to neglect the ordering of an army.

2. What often happens to Captains who see a tactical error committed by their enemies?
(a) They move into passes and ambush the enemy.
(b) They are overly cautious and bring defeat.
(c) They are blinded by the desire for victory.
(d) They take the steps to assure victory.

3. What, according to Machiavelli, determines whether or not a Republic falls into tyranny.
(a) The reputation of its Citizens.
(b) The corruption of its Nobles.
(c) The weakness of its Princes.
(d) The absence of its military.

4. What are the two things that give an army confidence according to Machiavelli?
(a) Victory and technology.
(b) That it is well armed and organized and each man should know the other.
(c) Tactics and technology.
(d) Deception and strength.

5. What support did Machiavelli use for his view of what he considers to be the worst example provided by leaders?
(a) A recent denial of appeal by Girolamo Savonarola to five citizens sentenced to death after Savonarola wrote the law allowing appeals.
(b) The lawlessness that overtook Carthage as its Princes suspended harsh sentences for crimes against the State.
(c) A series of Caesars who named friends to be Captains.
(d) Tribunes who called the army from foreign provinces and decommissioned its Captains.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book 3, Section 25, what does Machiavelli repeat to be the most useful thing to establish in a Republic?

2. When does Machiavelli advise Captains to try new things?

3. 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?

4. What did Roman historian Livius call Necessity?

5. What does Machiavelli believe will come of agreements made by force?

(see the answer key)

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